Clàssics

Clàssics is a term in Catalan used to describe works that have achieved lasting prominence and are considered emblematic of a culture’s artistic, philosophical, or intellectual achievements. The label spans multiple domains, including literature, philosophy, music, art, and cinema, and is commonly used in education to identify texts or works regarded as essential for understanding a tradition.

The set of clàssics is not fixed. Canon formation depends on historical context, scholarly debate, and institutional influence. Critics point out biases toward Western, male, and Eurocentric narratives, while recent trends emphasize diverse, non-Western, and marginalized voices through expanded or alternative canons.

Examples of widely recognized clàssics across domains include literature and drama such as Homer, Dante, Cervantes, and Shakespeare; philosophy such as Plato and Kant; music such as Bach or Beethoven; visual art such as Da Vinci or Rembrandt; cinema such as Citizen Kane or The Godfather. In Catalan contexts, clàssics may include works originally written in Catalan or translated ones that have attained canonical status within regional curricula.

In education and culture, the concept is used to organize curricula, libraries, and public discourse around a repertoire deemed representative and enduring. Debates about what counts as a classic continue to evolve as societies change and expand inclusivity and intercultural perspectives.