The World of the Ancient Greeks We will read and discuss a variety of works that shed light on the complex world of the ancient Greeks. These works include Thucydides's history of the rise and fall of classical Athens, The Peloponnesian Wars, lyric poems about sex, wine and music, and Plato's Republic that has influenced western politics and perceptions of reality for the last two and half millennia. (For a complete list of the texts, see the Course Description and Requirements.) We will also learn about Greek art and architecture, and consider how they helped shape our very own university campus. In addition, we will watch one film that draws on the archetypal narrative patterns and themes of ancient Greek literature. All discussions will include reference to a variety of material in addition to the readings and film themselves, ranging from ancient art (viewed through digital slides) to modern works of art and literature. The latter should help place our classical readings in their cultural context, and highlight some of the similarities as well as significant differences between ancient Greek culture(s) and our own. Course Description and Requirements Syllabus Handouts

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