Greek Set Book

About this course

The course studies Greek oratory from Classical Athens through the Hellenistic period to the Roman Empire, using extracts from Lysias, Aeschines, Hellenistic inscriptions and Dio Chrysostom. Sessions examine the texts linguistically, rhetorically, literarily and historically, with attention to subjects including law, citizenship, gender, public speaking and political culture. Participants prepare sections of the set texts in advance, then translate and analyse them collectively in class. Discussion considers language, composition, rhetorical techniques and the wider social and intellectual settings of the speeches.

What you'll learn

• Read Greek prose from different historical periods and identify differences in speech-writing styles
• Translate complex Classical Greek literature from the original
• Analyse rhetorical devices and the composition of speeches
• Relate Greek oratory to historical events, politics, culture and gender

Is this course right for you?

Listed as suitable for all levels, the course involves preparing passages in advance and working closely with Classical Greek texts in class. Participants should expect a shared format combining translation, textual analysis and discussion.

• Requires preparation of portions of the set text before class
• Learning takes place alongside current undergraduate and postgraduate students