HIST 4202 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
History
School
MCAS
Credits
3
Level
Undergraduate
Offered
Every Spring

Requirements fulfilled

  • Ancient Greek: III. One elective: either Greek (intermediate or above) or a course on Greek civilization (Current University Catalog; students should confirm their catalog year)

Requirement eligibility can vary by school, cohort, and section. Confirm the selected section in EagleApps or with an advisor.

Official evaluation summary

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Data freshness

Course and evaluation data last updated 2026-08-02. Source details and limitations are documented in Data Sources and Methodology.

Instructors

Sections

  • Section 01
    Fall 2026 · Gail Hoffman · Stokes Hall 286S MWF 01:00PM-01:50PM · Offered