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CLAS 2037 - Athenian Democracy: Reacting to the Past
University Course Planner The University of Adelaide Australia

CLAS 2037 - Athenian Democracy: Reacting to the Past

Career: Undergraduate
Units: 3
Term: 4120
Campus: North Terrace
Contact: Up to 3 hours per week
Available for Study Abroad and Exchange: No
Available for Non-Award Study: Yes
Pre-Requisite: At least 12 units of Level I undergraduate study
Assumed Knowledge: Broad knowledge of the ancient world of Greece & Rome, including basic historical understanding (eg Classical Studies in SACE or introductory CLAS or HIST courses). Without any foundations, pre-reading in consultation with the lecturer may be required.
Assessment: Essay (1500 words) 30%, Seminar participation 10%, Presentation (800 words) 10%, Group assessment 10%, Exam 40%
Syllabus:

Have you ever wondered where democracy originated and how it operated? This course offers an innovative, immersive approach by re-enacting Athenian democratic practice, ultimately the basis for all western democracies. The first half of the course recreates the intellectual dynamics of a formative period in western political history, when Greece went through a crisis at the end of the fifth century BCE. By using a format of role play it offers an educational experience of the democratic process of Athens. This method brings the discussions about the value of democracy to life on the basis of literary sources (e.g. Herodotus, Plato, Thucydides, Xenophon). The second half of the course returns to academic analysis, exploring the fundamental questions regarding the value of democratic rule in seminars. The story begins in 403 BCE, when, after thirty years of war, Sparta crushed the democratic rule, destroyed the city's great walls and warships, occupied the city, and installed a ruthless regime, 'the Thirty Tyrants'. You will debate the doubts about democracy raised in the post-war period by the Greeks, expressed most ingeniously by Socrates and his young supporters: can Athens retain a political system where all decisions are made by an Assembly of 6,000 or so citizens? Will leaders continue to be chosen by random lottery? Will citizenship be broadened to include slaves who fought for the democracy and foreign-born inhabitants who paid taxes in its support? You will take on the roles of radical and moderate democrats, oligarchs, and Socratics to debate these issues. You will learn about the origin and ordeals of Greek democracy and its importance for later ages.

Course Fees

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Student Status

Domestic
International

What type of place are you studying in

Commonwealth supported
Full fee paying

Study Level

Undergraduate
Postgraduate Coursework
Non Award

Program of Study

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Units
EFTSL
Amount
3
0.125
          
  


Course Outline

A Course Outline which includes Learning Outcomes, Learning Resources, Learning & Teaching for this course may be accessed here


Critical Dates

Term Last Day to Add Online Census Date Last Day to WNF Last Day to WF
4120 Mon 09/08/2021 Wed 18/08/2021 Fri 17/09/2021 Fri 29/10/2021


Class Details

Enrolment Class: Lecture
Class Nbr Section Size Available Dates Days Time Location
28597 LEC0 60 42 This class does not have any timetabled face-to-face sessions. Please check MyUni or contact your Course Coordinator for details.
Note: This lecture is pre-recorded and can be viewed any time after publication in MyUni. Please refer to MyUni for details once enrolled.
Related Class: Seminar
Class Nbr Section Size Available Dates Days Time Location
20576 SE03 5 3 4 Aug - 15 Sep Wednesday 11am - 1pm MyUni, OL, Online Class
6 Oct - 27 Oct Wednesday 11am - 1pm MyUni, OL, Online Class
Note: This remote class is ONLY for students for whom health or location prohibits face to face attendance, AND for whom this course is CORE (rather than elective) to their program. This remote session will be delivered synchronously with the face to face session via Zoom. Your Course Coordinator will provide a Zoom link or equivalent via MyUni.
20578 SE01 25 9 4 Aug - 15 Sep Wednesday 11am - 1pm Lower Napier, LG15, Teaching Room
6 Oct - 27 Oct Wednesday 11am - 1pm Lower Napier, LG15, Teaching Room