Time Schedule:
Deborah E. Kamen
CLAS 496
Seattle Campus
Offered occasionally by visitors or resident faculty.
Class description
In studying the ancient world, we generally focus on the Greeks’ remarkable achievements in philosophy, literature, art, and architecture. But we cannot, and should not, overlook the darker side of Greek society, including the pervasiveness of slavery. This course examines slaves and slavery in ancient Greece and asks the following questions: How did the Greeks justify the institution of slavery? How and why did slavery arise? How many slaves were there? How were they treated? What role did they play in the economy? What role did they play in society? In what ways did they resist their masters? In what circumstances were they freed? What effects did slavery have on Greek literature and thought?
Student learning goals
General method of instruction
Lecture and discussion.
Recommended preparation
No prerequisites.
Class assignments and grading
Each week students will read Greek texts (in translation) and some scholarship. All readings will be posted online on the class website. There is a midterm, a presentation, a final paper, and a final exam.
Participation: 5% Midterm: 25% Presentation: 15% Final Paper: 25% Final exam: 30%
