The Ancient Greeks Course Syllabus

Overview: This course offers a comprehensive introduction to ancient Greek civilization, exploring its history, culture, and lasting influence on Western thought. Over approximately 20 hours of engaging content, learners will journey from the early Bronze Age societies to the rise of Macedon and Alexander the Great. Through video lectures, readings, and discussions, students will examine key historical periods, political systems, literary works, and philosophical foundations. Designed for beginners, this course requires no prior knowledge and is ideal for lifelong learners, educators, and those interested in the roots of democracy, philosophy, and classical literature.

Module 1: Early Greek Civilizations

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Introduction to the Minoan civilization and its palatial centers
• Examination of Mycenaean society, architecture, and Linear B script
• Archaeological evidence and its interpretation
• Cultural contributions of early Greek civilizations

Module 2: The Dark Ages and Homeric Epics

Estimated time: 2 hours

• The collapse of Mycenaean civilization and the transition to the Dark Ages
• Oral tradition and the composition of the Homeric epics
• Themes and structure of The Iliad and The Odyssey
• Role of epic poetry in shaping Greek cultural identity

Module 3: The Archaic Age (ca. 800-500 BCE)

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Emergence of the Greek polis (city-state) and its political structures
• Colonization and its impact on trade and cultural exchange
• Resurgence of literacy and the adoption of the Greek alphabet
• Development of hoplite warfare and its social implications

Module 4: Sparta and Athens

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Political organization and societal values of Sparta
• Constitutional reforms of Solon and the evolution of Athenian governance
• Social roles and education in Sparta and Athens
• Contrasting military and civic ideals between the two city-states

Module 5: The Persian Wars and Athenian Democracy

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Causes and key battles of the Persian Wars
• Athenian leadership in the Delian League
• Development and mechanisms of direct democracy in Athens
• Legacy of the Persian Wars on Greek unity and identity

Module 6: The “Great 50 Years” (ca. 480-431 BCE)

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Athens’ imperial expansion and cultural flourishing
• Role of Pericles in shaping Athenian policy and public life
• Artistic and architectural achievements, including the Parthenon
• Tensions leading to the Peloponnesian War

Module 7: The Peloponnesian War

Estimated time: 3 hours

• Origins and alliances in the conflict between Athens and Sparta
• Major events and turning points of the war
• Impact of the war on Greek city-states and society
• Consequences for Athenian power and democracy

Module 8: The End of the Century and Beyond

Estimated time: 2 hours

• Decline of Athenian influence after the Peloponnesian War
• Rise of Macedon under Philip II
• Conquests and legacy of Alexander the Great
• The spread of Hellenistic culture across the ancient world

Prerequisites

• No prior knowledge of ancient Greece is required
• Basic reading proficiency in English
• Access to course materials and willingness to engage with multimedia content

What You'll Be Able to Do After

• Describe the major historical periods and civilizations of ancient Greece
• Explain the significance of the Homeric epics in Greek cultural identity
• Compare and contrast the political systems of Sparta and Athens
• Analyze the causes and consequences of the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars
• Assess the legacy of Alexander the Great and the spread of Hellenistic culture