CLAS 4254 The Culture of Athenian Democracy
A political and cultural history of Athens during the creation and height of its democracy (circa 480-400 B.C.E.). The course will consider the Persian Wars and their effect on political and constitutional developments in Athens, the workings of the Athenian Democracy under Pericles, and the eventual collapse following the Peloponnesian War. Readings in translation include Thucydides, Plutarch, Aristotle, Xenophon, Plato, and the Greek playwrights (Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, and Aristophanes). Emphasis will be on integrating historical, literary, and archaeological evidence to provide as complete a picture as possible of this dynamic period of ancient history.
Course overview
- Department
- Classical Studies
- School
- MCAS
- Credits
- 3
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Offered
- Every Spring
Requirements fulfilled
- Classics: Advanced courses (three courses, 9 credits minimum): Latin and/or Greek at the 3000 level for the Classical Language track, or courses in English at the 4000 level for the Classical Cultures track (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
- Classics: Electives (five courses, 15 credits minimum): any Classical Studies course, or approved electives from other departments (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)
Course evaluations
- Course rating
- 4.90 / 5 · Excellent
- Instructor rating
- 4.91 / 5 · Excellent
- Terms evaluated
- 2
| Term | Instructor | Course overall | Instructor overall | Well organized | Clear learning objectives | Intellectually challenging | Helpful assignments | Applicable beyond course | Attendance necessary | Weekly effort | Responses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fall 2025 | Gail Hoffman | 4.9 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4.8 | 5.0 | 4.8 | 4.8 | 4.9 | 4–6 hrs/week | 13 of 18 |
| Fall 2023 | Gail Hoffman | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | — | 9 of 13 |