CL 222: Greek Tragedy
TuTh 11:10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Skidmore College
BO 103
www.skidmore.edu/classics/cl222
NOTE: This printable copy of the course syllabus is accurate as of February 8, 2001.
It is your responsibility to stay informed of course events and policies through the online
version, which will be updated constantly.
Overview.
The tragedians of Athens in the fifth century BCE composed plays whose beauty, elegance,
and power have stood the test of time. In this course we shall survey the works of the three great
Athenian playwrights, Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. We shall approach the plays from
different perspectives and contexts — mythical, historical, cultural, theatrical, and so on — in
order to understand better how they function, not only as plays, but also as artifacts of individual
artists and their societies. All readings are in English.
Objectives.
The specific goals for this course are as follows: (1) to understand the content, form, scope
and structure of Greek tragedy; (2) to approach tragedy as a vehicle for both narrative and social
commentary, and to discern how it differs from other genres; and (3) to assess the value of
tragedy — in a sense, its timelessness — to modern audiences. Furthermore, students will draw
upon universal skills of critical reading and thinking, and will communicate these skills both in
class and in written exercises.
Instructor: Professor Dan Curley
Office: 210 Ladd Hall
Hours: MWF 11:15 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
Phone: x. 5463
Email: dcurley@skidmore.edu
Textbooks:
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Aeschylus: The Oresteia. Translated by Hugh Lloyd-Jones. Berkeley. 1992.
Euripides I. Edited by David Grene and Richmond Lattimore. Chicago. 1955.
Euripides II. Edited by David Grene and Richmond Lattimore. Chicago. 1956.
Euripides V. Edited by David Grene and Richmond Lattimore. Chicago. 1959.
Sophocles I. Edited by David Grene and Richmond Lattimore. Chicago. 1991. Second
edition.
Sophocles II. Edited by David Grene and Richmond Lattimore. Chicago. 1957.
Course requirements:
Class participation (15%). Class participation involves more than just attendance. You must
also keep up with the readings and assignments, and participate actively during our sessions.
Furthermore, I expect that you will come to class on time and that you will maintain an
environment that promotes the exchange of ideas.
CL 222: Greek Tragedy
2
Course requirements (continued):
Essay (15%). Due on April 24th. Topics and comprehensive guidelines will be posted, but
note that the essay must be 8-10 pages, typed, and double-spaced. This is not research paper per
se, but an opportunity to put what you have learned to work in response to a particular question
or problem.
Examinations (40%). There are two examinations, a midterm and a final, each worth 15% of
your final grade. The midterm is scheduled for March 8th. The final, which is scheduled for
May 8th, is essentially a second midterm, although it will have some cumulative aspects. You
will receive more information on each test as its date approaches.
Semester project (30%). For the semester project, the entire class will work together to
conceive, compose, and perform an original Greek tragedy in English. Please visit the semester
project pages for instructions, expectations, and guidelines.
Consult the online Timetable to see when the assignments, exams,
and other events have been scheduled.
Strategies for success.
While everyone learns and explores in his or her own way, it will prove worthwhile to
approach the requirements of this class in an organized and systematic manner. Below are some
strategies to consider for success in CL 222.
Keep up with the workload. As simplistic as it sounds, this is perhaps the most useful bit of
advice. Our pace, on average, will be about one play per class. Pace yourself: don't save it all
for the night before. You should likewise strive to keep up with the various assignments and
components of the semester project.
Review regularly. Again, this seems obvious, but regular review of past readings,
particularly those portions of texts highlighted during our discussions, will prove extremely
helpful. The same advice applies to your notes from class.
Work together. While it can be true that too many cooks spoil the broth, many hands can
make light work. As you complete your semester project, there will undoubtedly be moments of
tension, even discord, among the group. Remember that your duty is to the play and to your
peers
I hope that you will find CL 222 to be a challenging yet rewarding experience.