This course concentrates on the Classical world -- on The Foundation of the Western World.  Beginning with early Greek civilization, we will try to understand the unusual character and creativity which the Greeks and Romans exhibited -- so creative that we still share World-View patterns which they invented.

      However, the themes of failure and fall also appear and so become a part of this course (hints to the modern West?). Still, the Classical Age spread its influence across thousands of miles, across thousands of years.

      To examine the historical record of the Greeks and Romans, to become familiar with the main figures and developments, society, politics, religions, economy, literature & philosophies;

      To read some of the greatest classics with a critical attitude, to think ideas through, and to measure that culture using our standards of judgment, and theirs;

      To research historical situations or issues, and then communicate that knowledge effectively;

      To see why this period of history is called THE "Classical Age;"

      To gain a sense that we all participate in the historical family of humanity, and that learning about that family can teach us about ourselves.

Homer. The Odyssey. Translated by Robert Fitzgerald. (Douglas & McIntyre) ISBN: 978-0374525743

The Greek Historians. Ed. Moses Finley. (Penguin) ISBN: 978-014-0150650

Twelve Caesars. Suetonius. Translated Robert Graves (Penguin, ISBN: 014-044-0720.

Goddesses, Whores, Wives & Slaves by Sarah Pomeroy (Schocken Books, ISBN: 080-520-5306.

History of the Church by Eusebius. Translated by Paul Maier (Kregel Academic Press, 1999) ISBN: 0825433283

M-T-W-Th 9-10; F 1-2 

Office Hours are in my office at Foster 419.

This schedule is tentative and subject to change (probably within minutes!) depending upon the progress and the interests of our class.
Some Readings will be assigned as we go forward.

Please be prepared to discuss readings & issues, or lose.

Olympus to Ithaca: Telemachos &  Paideia:  (Books 1-4)

Favorite Lines

Odysseus' Freedom & New Travels (Books 5-8)

Study and Guides

Troubles in Paradise, and a Plan to Overcome (17-20)

Status of Women in Classical History;   Justice?

Athens: Democractic Constitution, Culture & Development -- Pericles' Funeral Oration, the Mytilenian Debate and the Melian Dialogue -- A true Democracy? What went wrong? What did that mean?

Aesop's Fables because all educated people should have read some of them, said Aesop.  

Sparta: Constitution & “Culture;” Persian Wars

(PGH, 57-62, 101-104, 142-152 on Sparta)

Empire & Absolutism (Suetonius: Aug): Analysis of the New Age (Party of the Mind: Is there an appropriate Aesop's Fable?)

Rise of Christianity;    Useful Questions on Gibbon

Edward Gibbon on the Five Causes

Eusbius, History, Early Church, Christian-ity

Aftermath & Analysis of Constantine's rule; Problem of the Fall of the Roman Empire