HIST 239 Women in Greek and Roman Antiquity (Same as Classics 239) (Not offered 1998-99)

The study of antiquity necessarily involves the investigation of the many silences that face us, as much as it involves the analysis and celebration of the voices that have endured. These silences arise from varied circumstances: the passing of time, accident, misunderstanding, and intention, both ancient and modern. One silence that embodies all these elements is that of women in antiquity. Women in the ancient world experienced varying degrees of oppression and devaluation, and of freedom and opportunity, depending on their social class, the prosperity of the community, and the predominant philosophical, religious, and scientific thought of a given period in antiquity. Paradoxically, they frequently managed to carve out meaningful and powerful lives at those moments when the culture appeared certain to deny them just this. In this course, we will examine women's lives in antiquity in the context of the interplay of these various factors. We will investigate the frequent discrepancy between the literary portrayal of women and the reality of their lives; we will read selected modern anthropological, sociological, and historical works on women in this elusive subject; and we will explore the resources of ancient art and archaeology in recovering the muted voice of women in antiquity. The emphasis of the course will be on ancient Greece, with several weeks at the end devoted to an introduction to Rome. Classes will combine discussion and lecture. Evaluation will be based on contributions to class discussion, three short papers, and a final take-home exam. No prerequisites. Open to first-year students. Groups B and D

CHRISTENSEN