History/Classics 310

Syllabus: 
 Structure 
 Schedule  

Readings: 
 Book List  
 Reserve Readings 
 Themistocles Decree 
 Megarian Decree 
 Athenian Treaties 

Chronologies: 
 Early Sparta and Athens
 514-482 B.C. 
 Pentekontaeteia, 479-431 B.C.
  Peloponnesian War 

Handouts: 
 Finances in Athens 
 Greek Coinage and Measures 
 Military 

Links 

Requirements:
This is an intermediate Honors seminar examining the rise and fall of Athenian power (490-404 B.C.).  After the first week, class will proceed by readings and discussion rather than by lecture.  The FINAL GRADE is based 1/3 upon reports, 1/3 upon discussion, and 1/3 upon the term paper (15 pages).

REPORTS.  Each student is required to write FOUR reports from among those offered on the syllabus.  The report is an essay (5 pages) based upon the relevant general readings and specific readings assigned for each topic.  Copies of each report must be made available for the entire seminar NO LATER THAN 9:00 A.M. on the MORNING the seminar convenes so that all members of the seminar can read these reports as part of their assignment.  Reporters should follow the STYLE SHEET distributed to the seminar, and those students who wish to improve their writing should purchase W. Strunk and E. White, Elements of Style (third edition).

DISCUSSION.  Students are expected to attend and to PARTICIPATE in discussion.  Reporters have responsibility for opening and directing class discussion, because their reports offer positions and relevant facts that set the seminar's debate.   Reporters are urged to consult with me and to cooperate with each other.

TERM PAPER.   Each student must also write a term paper (15 pages) based on primary and secondary sources on any aspect of Classical Greek history.  Students should follow the style sheet distributed to the seminar.  The term paper is due no later than WEDNESDAY, May 6, 1998, at 12:00 NOON.  A list of suggested topics will be issued, and students should note the following schedule:
March 9, Monday:               Topic and Statement of Thesis Due
April 13, Monday:               Outline and Bibliography Due
April 30, Thursday:              Last Day to Submit Draft for Revision   May 6, Wednesday:                         Final Text of Term Paper Due  

LAS WRITING REQUIREMENT.  Students applying this course to the LAS writing requirement are required to submit at least ONE ESSAY for criticism as well as the TERM PAPER for  revision before final submission.

RESERVE READING:  Many books are on reserve in Howard Tilton Library under HISTORY/Classics 310-70H, but a number of books and photocopies of  articles in journals are available directly from me. Reporters should consult with me immediately about works they need for their reports.

RESCHEDULED SESSION 11.  The session that would be scheduled for Wednesday, February 25 (ASH WEDNESDAY, the day after MARDI GRAS) is rescheduled to FRIDAY, February 27, 1998.

GUEST LECTURE.  Professor KURT RAAFLAUB, Professor of Classics at Brown University and director of the Hellenic Institute, will visit Tulane on March 21-24, 1998.  He will offer a public lecture on Monday, MARCH 23, 1998,  7:30-8:30 P.M. "Athens and Pericles" as well as offer a special seminar on the Athenian democracy on Tuesday, March 24.  Details will provided later in the semester.

IMPORTANT NOTE.  The success of this seminar depends upon the cooperation, enthusiasm, and good will of all its members.  In the event of any problems, please do not hesitate to contact me.

BACKGROUND READING.  The concise accounts of W. W. G. Forrest, The Emergence of Greek Democracy (London, 1966) and Thomas Martin, Ancient Greece (New Haven, 1996) are  recommended.  The following standard accounts are also recommended:

Bury, J. B. A History of Greece to the Death of Alexander the Great, 4th ed., revised by R. Meiggs.  New York, 1975.  938.B978he
Hammond, N. G. L.  A History of Greece to 322 B.C.  3rd edition.  Oxford, 1986.  DF214.H28
 (1986) 
Sealey, R., A History of the Greek City-States, ca.700-338 B.C.  Berkeley, 1978.  DF214.S.45