Greek 202 / 302
Aristophanes
General Information
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Introduction.
The plays we shall be reading were produced by Aristophanes
between 414 and 411. This was the period of the diastrous Athenian scheme
to invade and conquer Sicily, and it ended with the overthrow of their
democracy. Aristophanes is the voice of the disgruntled conservatives,
and he presents us with their views on politics, religion, society, and
sexuality.
On Fridays, we shall discuss works
written by modern experts on these plays and their background. We shall
look at the politicians of the period (Connor), and its religious festivals
(Parke, Simon); the obscene language of the plays (Henderson); their themes
(McDowell), public message (Hubbard), and religious element (Bowie); and
their representation of women (Loraux, Taaffe).
During the first part of the semester before spring break
(Weeks 1-6), we shall read all except the choruses of Aristophanes' Lysistrata.
In the second part of the semester (Weeks 7-13), we shall
read all except the choruses of his Thesmophoriazusae.
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Weekly Assignment for Greek 202 Students
We meet three times a week.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, and in the first half-hour
of class on Fridays, we shall read the assigned play of Aristophanes with
the Greek 302 students.
During the second half-hour of class on Fridays, we shall
hear a presentation on a particular topic and
discuss it.
We shall also meet for an extra half-hour after class
on Tuesdays and Thursdays to review Greek syntax.
Weekly Assignment for Greek 302 Students
We meet four times a week.
On Tuesdays and Thursdays, and in the first half-hour
of class on Fridays, we shall read the assigned play of Aristophanes (Lysistrata,
or Thesmophoriazusae) with the Greek 202
students.
During the second half-hour of class on Fridays, we shall
hear a presentation on a particular topic and
discuss it.
In the fourth class on Thursdays, we shall read Aristophanes'
Birds.
Requirements and Grading.
Come to class prepared to translate the assigned passages,
and read the assigned article or chapter for the discussion class on Friday.
Choose which topics you would like to present
during the Discussion Classes. The presentation should last about 15 minutes.
Write one of your presentations up into a 6-7 page paper by the end of
the semester.
| Attendance and Class Participation |
20 % |
| Presentation Paper |
20 % |
| Mid-Term Exam |
30 % |
| Final Exam |
30% |
Required Texts.
Click here for list of required texts.
Assigned Passages from Lysistrata
and Thesmophoriazusae.
Assigned Readings for Discussion
Classes
Other information about Aristophanes.
Click here.
Time-Table for Greek 202 Students.
Click here for time-table
giving assignments and dates of exams.
Time-Table for Greek 302 Students.
Click here for time-table
giving assignments and dates of exams.
Review of Greek Grammar
Click here for review-sheets
of Greek grammar.
Office Hours, Phone.
Click here for information.