Kirk Ormand

GREK 307: Aristophanes

King 105a; x8394

 

Office Hours: 

Fall, 2003

 

Purpose:  In this course you will be introduced to the bawdy, hilarious, literary masterpieces of Aristophanes.  We will read the Lysistrata in Greek, and most of the other comedies in English.  Along the way, we’ll also read some secondary studies of Aristophanes.  I’ve ordered Henderson’s The Maculate Muse for this purpose.  Themes of particular focus will be: the tradition of Old Comedy; the use and function of obscenity in comedy; the construction of sexuality in the comedies and in society; the political functions of comedy.

 

Grading:  Your grade will be based on class participation, a midterm and final, and two papers. Your class participation grade will be based on whether your contributions to discussion; if you miss classes, or regularly come to class unprepared, this portion of your grade will suffer.

 

Late Papers: Unless arrangements are made before a paper is due, late papers will be graded down 1/3 letter grade for each day late. Of course, in the case of a legitimate medical excuse, family emergency, etc., the above does not apply.  Simply speak to me as soon as possible, and we will make arrangements. 

 

Attendance:  For the duration of this semester and for the purposes of this class, we are a community of scholars.  Please plan to attend every class session.  If you miss class, it is your responsibility (not mine) to find out what you missed. Repeated absences will harm your grade for class participation.

 

Academic Honesty:  In the unlikely event that a student is found to have engaged in academic dishonesty (cheating, helping other students to cheat, plagiarism) he/she will be reported to the Honor Board.  If any student is unclear as to what may be considered plagiarism, cheating, etc., she/he should speak to me about it.

 

 


Schedule of Readings

(by week)

 

Week of:

English

Greek

Sept. 2

Syllabus; Introduction to Aristophanes; Read Henderson’s Introduction to Lysistrata

 

8

Acharnians

Lysistrata1-68

15

Clouds

69-166

22

Birds

167-285

29

Short paper due.

 Frogs

286-415

Oct. 6

Thesmophoriazousae

415-547

13

Ecclesiazousae

Midterm

Oct 20-24

Fall Break

 

27

Article:  “Aristophanes and some of his comic Rivals”

548-681

Nov. 3

Maculate Muse, ch. 1

681-804

10

MM ch. 2

805-935

17

MM ch. 3

936-1057

24

Paper due before break

Thanksgiving

Dec. 2

MM ch.7

1058-1187

8

Discussion of Lysistrata

1188-1321

Dec. 13-15

Reading period

 

Saturday, Dec. 20, 2:00 pm

Final exam