The Origins Of Democracy: Politics In Ancient Greece

Timetable

Thursday 17.00-18.30 MS TEAMS 17^th March (or 24^th) 31^st March 7^th April 21^st April 28^th April 5^th May 12th May 26^th May

Module aim (aims)

To give students comprehensive knowledge about the origins of democracy in Ancient Greece and alternative forms of political organization. To give students tools to better understanding of politics in modern world.

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Syllabus

This series will examine the long history of democracy. We will examine its development in ancient Greece, specifically the city of Athens, from the sixth to the fourth centuries BC. The series will also consider alternative forms of political organisation, including kingship, oligarchy and tyranny. Students will also consider key works of political theory, including Plato's Republic and Aristotle's Politics. The ultimate aim of the course is to provide a better understanding of politics in the modern world and answer key questions such as 'Is democracy the best form of government?'; 'What is a citizen?'; 'What is the rule of law?'; and 'Why do states go to war and why do civil wars happen?'. 

Reading list

• EDMUND STEWART, 2021. Tragedy and tyranny: Euripides, Archelaus of Macedon and popular patronage. In: SIAN LEWIS, ed., Tyranny: New Contexts Presses Universitaires de Franche Comté. 81-101
• EDMUND STEWART, 2021. The Tyrant’s Progress: the meaning of the ΤΥΡΑΝΝΟΣ in Plato and Aristotle Polis: The Journal for Ancient Greek and Roman Political Thought. 38, 208-36