Greek 101 serves as a transition between learning the basic elements of the Greek language and seminar-level discussions of literature and culture using original texts as our primary sources. As a result, in this course we will do a bit of both: reviewing grammar and morphology, and expanding vocabulary—all while learning to read and appreciate Greek literature and the culture that produced it.

Course Information

Location: Hall Building 112 • Time: MWF 11:30–12:30
Instructor: Bret Mulligan • Office: Hall Building, Room 8
E-Mail: bmulliga@haverford.edu • IM: profmulligan (AOL)
Phone: x1052 • Website : www.bretmulligan.com
Office Hours: M – F 10:30–11:20 & By Appointment (happily)

This fall we will focuses on the figure of Socrates as he appears in two Platonic dialogues: the Crito, a discussion about the morality of resisting the law, set on the eve of Socrates’ execution; and the Ion, in which Socrates confronts the eponymous rhapsode about the power and value of art and artists.

In addition to reading these dialogues in their original language, we will read several others in English that touch on Socrates’ trial and execution for impiety and corrupting the young. We will also explore contemporary works by the philosopher-historian Xenophon and the comic poet Aristophanes in which Socrates appears, and ancient works and modern scholarship describing contemporary Athenian culture.

One year of college-level study in Greek or equivalent is required.