Intermediate Greek: Plato and Poetry

The goal of this course is to develop a greater fluency in reading Greek prose by reinforcing previously acquired knowledge of morphology and syntax through a reading of Plato¿s Ion and selections from the Republic. We will study Platonic critiques of poets and poetry, especially Homer and epic, and situate those views within a larger, longstanding debate on the relationship between philosophy and poetry. Therefore, we will also read in English short selections from other Greek authors who discuss the use and abuse of poetry, namely through the relationship between truth and falsehood and the roles of edification and pleasure. Our aim is to gain a greater understanding of the oftentimes fluid relationships between ancient literary genres. Classics majors and minors must take course for letter grade. Classics majors and minors may repeat for credit with advance approval from the Director of Undergraduate Studies.