The aim of the course is to familiarize students, through ancient Greek literary sources in English translation, with Ancient Greece in terms of people, private life and education. The texts cover a wide range of literary genres from all periods of ancient Greek literature. In the context of this course, it is deemed necessary to present a historical outline of Ancient Hellenism.
Upon successful completion of the course, students will be able to:
• have a direct overview of the historical periods and key historical events that contributed to the development, flourishing and decline of ancient Greek civilization,
• have a direct overview of the mentality of the ancient Greeks, as traced in representative texts of ancient Greek literature,
• identify with ease the main features of the private life and education of the ancient Greeks,
• delve into such topics as the institution of the family, everyday life, the relationship of the Greeks with slaves and foreigners, their perceptions of love and death, theirp references in clothing, drink and food, and the organisation of the education of young people, with emphasis on musical education,
• respond directly to the interpretation and understanding of any ancient Greek text that touches on issues of the private life and education of the ancient Greeks,
• assess and compare texts relating to the private life and education of the ancient Greeks and examine how specific features of private life and education have survived to the present day with or without modifications and changes.
