AP/HIST3120 6.0 A: Classical Athens: State and Society
Offered by: HIST
(Cross-listed to: AP/CLST3120 6.0A )
Session
Fall 2024
Term
Y
Format
LECT
Instructor
Calendar Description / Prerequisite / Co-Requisite
A study of Athens in the fifth century BC, concentrating on social and economic structures and institutions. The course concerns itself with topics appropriate to a pre-industrial society, such as peasants, slaves and the development and function of the early state. Course credit exclusions: None. Prior TO FALL 2009: Course credit exclusions: AS/HIST 3120 6.00, GL/HIST 3618 6.00 (prior to Summer 2006), GL/HUMA 3618 6.00 (prior to Summer 2007), and GL/SOSC 3618 6.00 (prior to Summer 2007).
Course Start Up
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jtrevett@yorku.ca
This course examines the social, political, economic, and cultural history of the Greek city of Athens during the classical period (fifth and fourth centuries BC). Athens was the most important city-state in classical Greece and is also much the best attested. The focus of the course is on themes and topics rather than on narrative history. Topics to be explored include: the ideals and reality of Athenian democracy; the structure and dynamics of Athenian society; civic religion; the economy of classical Athens; law and litigation; family life and the position of women; the city at war; intellectual and cultural life. Among the sources that are used are many masterpieces of Greek literature, including the history of Thucydides, the comedies of Aristophanes and Menander, and the philosophical writings of Xenophon and Plato. In addition, extensive use is made of law-court speeches, inscriptions, and archaeological and iconographic material.
*TENTATIVE*
The World of Athens (Cambridge UP)
Carey, Trials from Classical Athens (Routledge)
Aristophanes, Wasps and Other Plays (Oxford UP)
*TENTATIVE Grade Breakdown*
Essay 1: 10%
Essay 2: 20%
Essay 3: 30%
Two exams: 30%
Participation: 10%
Twenty-four three-hour classes.
Students will be able to demonstrate:
- a sound knowledge of key names, dates, and concepts relating to classical Athens.
- a good understanding of the social, political, economic, and cultural history of classical Athens.
- familiarity with various kinds of historical source material used in the study of classical Athens.
- comprehension of works of scholarship (articles, book chapters) and major scholarly debates relating to classical Athens.
- Academic Honesty
- Student Rights and Responsibilities
- Religious Observance
- Grading Scheme and Feedback
- 20% Rule
No examinations or tests collectively worth more than 20% of the final grade in a course will be given during the final 14 calendar days of classes in a term. The exceptions to the rule are classes which regularly meet Friday evenings or on Saturday and/or Sunday at any time, and courses offered in the compressed summer terms. - Academic Accommodation for Students with Disabilities
