Classics 121bSpring, 2014
This class meets 5-6.30 p.m. (Block M) in Mandel G11
C. Walker (); Mandel 215; x62190/617-628-8964
Hours: MW 12-1; Th 12-1; by appointment
Matthew MacFarline; Rabb 359
Hours:
Because this course is designed as a survey of various ancient socio-economic systems, the readings are split between a small number of texts we shall examine in common and a large number of texts recommended generally, but intended mostly as sources for the specific topics on which you will be writing. I expect that reading only the assigned readings will limit your understanding (and grade) in seriously prejudicial ways. Many of the assigned readings will be posted on LATTE; others should be available on line, on reserve, in the library, and in many of the area and online bookstores. If you have any difficulty finding these materials, please let me know forthwith.
Class Schedule
January 13Introduction: Pre-monetary Economic Systems
Discussion: production, commerce, and distribution in archaic systems
15-22 Reading: M. Mauss, The Gift, intro and chapter 1 (on LATTE)
Discussion: gifts, hospitality, and wealth in social values
22Reaction paper #1 due
27-29 Readings: Homer, Iliad and Odyssey (selections; on LATTE)
Discussion: does epic material have social and historical value?
29 Reaction paper #2 due
3-5 Reading: Hesiod, Works and Days
Herodotus 1 (selections; on LATTE)
Discussion: didactic poetry as source; the Lydians and Persians
5 Reaction paper #3 due
10 Discussion: the introduction of currency and non-market systems
12Midterm
************************Spring Break********************************
24Discussion: the Spartan system
26 Readings: Plutarch, Lycurgus
March 3Readings: Plutarch, Lysander
Discussion: developing an empire; losing Messenia
5-10 Plutarch, Agis and Cleomenes
Discussion: the Spartan collapse
12-17 Readings: Plutarch, Solon; Themistocles
Aristophanes, Acharnians
Discussion: the development of democracy and Athenian commerce
19-24 Readings: Thucydides 1 (selections)
Discussion: the Megarian Decree; the links of democracy/ commerce/
navy/imperialism
19 Paper 1 proposal due
26Readings: Xenophon, Oikonomicus
Discussion: household management and acquisition of wealth
31 Paper 1 due
-April 2Readings: Livy (selections; on LATTE)
Polybius 1 (selections; on LATTE)
Discussion: Roman expansion and wealth acquisition
7-9 Readings: Plutarch, Tiberius and Gaius Gracchus
Sallust, Jugurthine War
Cicero, selected letters (on LATTE)
Discussion: Republican economic and social reform
9 Paper 2 proposal due
14 Readings: Pliny the Younger, selected letters (on LATTE)
Discussion: the public and private administration of the Empire
************************Passover Break******************************
23 Readings: Apuleius, The Golden Ass
Discussion: life as analyzed and as felt
28 Readings: Diocletian, Edict on Prices (on LATTE)
Discussion: the end of the empire
28 Paper 2 due
If you are a student with a documented disability on record at Brandeis University and wish to have a reasonable accommodation made for you in this class, please see me immediately.