How do you determine the literary texts that constitute western canon?

Answer 1

I'm sure you've probably already found this, but try looking here:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Western_canon

It's pretty self explanatory, really--just what books many think shaped the culture of "the West", or describe the "West" very accurately.

By "the West" of course, I mean "Western culture"--as opposed to Middle Eastern or eastern (Asian). :) If that confuses you, that Wiki article links to something that will explain it, as well.