For precise schedule of offerings see department catalog during pre-enrollment week each semester.

Recent scholarship has challenged the traditional narrative of Archaic Greek history on nearly every major topic. This seminar will begin with a review of the orthodox account of the Archaic period that developed in the mid- to late-twentieth century, and then work through recent scholarship to arrive at an up-to-date understanding of the period from the eighth to the early fifth century BCE. Alongside the modern scholarship, we will read major primary sources of relevance to each topic. Topics will include (but are not limited to) the nature and date of the so-called eighth-century revolution; the adoption of the Greek alphabet and its use, including literacy; hoplites, triremes, and warfare; kinship groups and aristocracy; the nature of elite groups; citizenship; the symposium; tyrants; lawgivers and legislation, including Solon and his reforms; coinage and fiscal history; state formation and state power. All readings will be provided on bCourses or available online through the library. Students taking the course for four units will be expected to give one presentation, write a book review, and write a final seminar paper.

Repeat Rules