Syllabus for Greek 424: Thucydides
Spring Quarter 2014
MW 4-5:20, Savery 141
Prof.
A.M. Gowing
Denny
Hall M-24
E-mail:
alain@u.washington.edu
Office
Hours: M 10-11
Required Texts: 1) K.J. Dover, ed. Thucydides. Book VI (Duckworth 2002)
2)
C.F. Smith, ed. Thucydides. Book VII (Bibliolife)
[we will use DoverÕs commentary to Book VII, to be distributed]
3)
R.B. Strassler, ed. The Landmark Thucydides (Free Press
1996) [NB: this is much more than a
translation, so please, do not substituteÉyou absolutely need this book]
Course description and
requirements:
This very enjoyable class will feature a reading of Books 6 and 7 of the History of the Peloponnesian War by
Thucydides (ca. 460-400 BC), by common consent one of the great ancient
historians. These books narrate the disastrous
ÔSicilian ExpeditionÕ in 415-13 BC, an attempt by the Athenians to salvage the
war they had been waging against Sparta for over fifteen years. ThucydidesÕ account culminates in the famous
battle in the Great Harbor of Syracuse, a battle narrative that would be
emulated and imitated by virtually every ancient historian thereafter. But along the way we come to know many
famous Athenians (and Spartans), including Alcibiades, and learn a great deal
about Athenian and even Sicilian history.
And whatÕs better than Sicilians and Greeks together in one story? In addition to translating (we will read
portions of Books 6 and 7 in Greek, the rest in English), we shall read some
representative modern studies of Thucydides. Note that it is expected that students
will have completed the 3xx level
Greek classes or their equivalent (i.e., two years of ancient Greek language study at college level).
Course website: http://faculty.washington.edu/alain/Greek424/Greek424home.html [a copy of the syllabus
and, eventually, other things]
Grading: 1) Midterm examination (a take-home due Wednesday, May 7) (30%). Translation and short questions
2) Final examination (Monday,
June 9, 4:30-6:20) (35%). Translation (material covered in second half) and short essay.
3) Short (5-6 pages) paper
on some aspect of reading (20%).
Details forthcoming (due date flexible).
4) Class participation (15%). Come to class and come prepared; donÕt
always wait to be called on; donÕt not
say things; and youÕll do fine.
NB:
This list of readings is subject to change/emendation as we progress. For each class, please make sure you
have read not only the portions assigned in Greek, but also any intervening portions not assigned in Greek in English; and please make sure you have read the
commentary as well as StrasslerÕs commentary/notes in
the Landmark Thucydides.
Mar.
31: Introduction
Apr.
2: Thuc. 6.1-3
Apr.
7: 6.4-8
9: 6.15; 24-27
14:
6.28-32.2
16:
6.42-46
21:
6.47-52
23:
(NO CLASS TODAY)
28:
6.53-58
30:
6.59-63
May
5: 6.64-72
May
7: Thuc. 7.1-4; take-home midterm due
12:
7.10-17
14:
7.22-25
19:
7.32-33; 36-38
21:
7.59-65
26:
Memorial Day-NO CLASS
28:
7.66-71
June
2: 7.72-79
4:
7.80-87
June 9: Final Examination --
4:30-6:20 PM