CLGR 406T Coming of Age in the Polis (Same as Women's and Gender Studies 406T) (Not offered 2006-2007) (W)

Studying a society's modes of rearing its young, and especially the ways it prepares and tests adolescents for their "coming of age" into their adult roles, provides an excellent approach to exploring its fundamental values and institutional practices. Archaic and classical Greek literature not only reflects but actively reflects upon the socialization of boys and girls in the Greek polis. In this course we will read in Greek selections from the Homeric Hymns to Demeter and Apollo and, in its entirety, a tragedy (e.g., Sophocles' Philoctetes), examining these texts through the lens of "coming of age." We will read in English brief selections from Homeric epic and from elegiac and lyric poetry (monodic and choral), and several Athenian tragedies and perhaps a comedy. We will also read critical literature on childrearing, religious cults for boys and girls of different ages, and the role of dance, song and poetry in preparing the young for their adult roles, particularly in fifth-century Athens.
Students will be divided into tutorial pairs chiefly according to their previous experience in Greek courses. Students will meet with the instructor once a week either individually or in pairs to present their translations of the Greek assigned for that week, and they will also meet once a week in pairs for the oral presentation of written 5-page reports. At the latter meeting, each student will alternate between making a formal presentation one week and, in the next week, offering an oral critique of the other student's presentation.
Format: recitation/discussion. Evaluation will be based on the translations, reports, and critiques presented in the tutorial sessions.
Prerequisites: Greek 201 or permission of instructor. Enrollment: 10 (expected: 6-8).

HOPPIN