Global Arc

An intensive introduction to the essentials of Greek grammar. Students will begin reading Attic prose as quickly as possible. 103 covers the material of 101-102 in a shorter period through increased class-time, drills, and earlier exposure to actual Greek texts. Leads directly to 105. Five classes.

This course will improve students' proficiency in classical Greek prose through reading Plato. Students will work on expanding their vocabulary, reviewing grammar and syntax, how to use commentaries to aid their reading and increase their familiarity with a particular author's style.

The course consists of extensive reading in the Iliad supplemented by lectures and study assignments directed to Homer's literary art and to the moral and religious thought of the Homeric epics. Four classes. Prerequisite: 103, or the equivalent.

The tragic drama of the last three decades of the fifth century B.C. Normally one tragedy each by Euripides and Sophocles is read in Greek, with other texts and critical work in English. Two 90-minute seminars.

Deals with a major topic in Greek literature or cultural history with readings from several of the most important Greek authors. Three hours. Prerequisite: Greek 108 or equivalent. Alternates with 213.

This course introduces the literary and cultural life of Athens at the end of the fifth century BCE through Aristophanes' the Frogs, performed in 405 BCE. In this comedy, Aristophanes laments the state of tragedy, the special form of performance and poetry that became a hallmark of his city. Central to the play is a competition in the underworld between Aeschylus and Euripides, and additional context will include the plays mentioned and mocked. Our focus will be on the Greek, comic meter and structure, but we will also discuss how this play comments on stagecraft, performance, the arts, and contemporary life.

Readings will focus on historical, literary, philosophical, or religious texts with a range from the Hellenistic to the Byzantine periods. Two 90-minute seminars.

Reading of selected dialogues with lectures on various aspects of the Platonic philosophy. Two 90-minute seminars.

Three tragedies are read in class; others (both in Greek and English) are assigned as outside reading. The preceptorials deal with general discussions of tragedy, including Aristotle's Poetics. Two 90-minute seminars.

Intensive study of a major historical author, such as Herodotus or Thucydides, with special attention to narrative technique and historiographical principles. Two 90-minute seminars.