ANCIENT GREEK LANGUAGE III

[Aristotle], Athenaion Politeia. The text concerning the constitution of Athens during the classical period is taught with the assistance of papyrus fragments upon which our reconstruction of the ancient text was based. Attempts will be made to restore worn-out parts of the papyrus while later the text is commented on both philologically and historically. Furthermore the attic judicial system is examined through the papyrus.

The course aims at piquing the students’ interest towards the ancient Greek literature and the science of papyrology, provide them with basic knowledge regarding those subjects, sharpen their critical thinking and provide them with the necessary tools to help them in their academic course, especially regarding the structure of a scientific essay and the correct use of primary historical sources.

After the students have successfully completed the course, they will be able to:

• Have the ability to converse regarding subjects about papyrology and the Athenian democracy.
• Comment from a philological and interpretative point of view on papyrus texts.
• Produce a correctly structured scientific essay.
• Locate and comment on the primary causes of events, using their critical thinking.

Week 1: Recapitulation regarding the basics of ancient Greek literature and further acquaintance with the students.

Week 2: Introduction to palaeography and papyrology.

Week 3: Biography of Aristotle and introduction to the Athenaion Politeia.

Week 4: First contact with a papyrus text (via HD photograph), attempt at recognising letters and words.

Week 5: Seminar in the use of photo editing computer programs, attempt at better recognising letters and words through the use of technology.

Week 6: Seminar in the construction of a scientific essay, distribution of final essays.

Week 7: Analysis of the first chapters in the analytical part of the Athenaion Politeia from the papyrus (philologically) and the reconstructed text (interpretatively).

Week 8: Analysis of the infrastructure and functions of the Athenian courts of law through the papyrus text.

Week 9: Analysis of the following chapters in the analytical part of the Athenaion Politeia from the papyrus (philologically) and the reconstructed text (interpretatively).

Week 10: Presentations of the progress on the essays given to the students so far.

Week 11: Analysis of the following chapters in the analytical part of the Athenaion Politeia from the papyrus (philologically) and the reconstructed text (interpretatively).

Week 12: Analysis of the following chapters in the analytical part of the Athenaion Politeia from the papyrus (philologically) and the reconstructed text (interpretatively).

Week 13: Comparative analysis of the constitution presented in the Athenaion Politeia and modern constitutions.

MacDowell, The Law of Athens (ελλην. μεταφρ. εκδ. Παπαδήμα), P. Rhodes, A Commentary on the Aristoteleian Athenaion Politeia.

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Questions towards students
• Studying of texts in groups
• Conversation between students and teaching staff

Written essay