2010 Spring CLST 196S-01
Bulletin Course Description Specific aspects of the history, art, and literature of classical Greece and Rome. Open only to qualified juniors and seniors; some knowledge of classical studies and history desirable, but not strictly necessary; research paper required
(Instructor named in bulletin description above may not be current. For current instructor, see listing below.)
Title JR-SR SEMINAR (TOPICS) Department CLST Course Number 2010 Spring 196S Section Number 01 Primary Instructor Sosin,Joshua D Prerequisites
Synopsis of course content
The Ancient Economy
NOTE: you do not need to know anything about economics to learn and profit and have fun in this course.
This course is an introduction to the study of the ancient economy. We shall move chronologically, but this will not be a survey. Rather, we shall tackle primary and secondary sources as case studies that present particularly interesting or important problems.
We shall explore, through in-class discussion, topics ranging from imperialism to philanthropy, from banking to slavery, from agriculture to piracy, from coinage to real estate, from taxes to trade.
Textbooks
E. E. Cohen, Athenian Economy and Society: A Banking Perspective (Princeton 1992; or repr. ed. 1997); ISBN 0691015929; ca.$35
M. I. Finley, The Ancient Economy (updated edition, Berkeley 1999) ISBN 0520219465; ca. $20
Rest of the readings via PDF, online.
Assignments
Reading and discussion.
Final term paper, developed over the course of the semester.
Colloquium: Everyone will have the opportunity to offer a brief presentation on his/her research project.
Exams
No exams
Term Papers
Research paper (10-15 pp) due on last day of class. Topics will be chosen by the students in consultation with the instructor and with each other.
Along the way, students will turn in a 'prospectus', a first draft, and a final draft.
We shall hold a 'Colloquium', where we shall be able to share our work with each other.
Detailed guidelines and other help will be made available
to all students.
Grade to be based on
Participation
Presentation / Colloquium
Paper: Prospectus
Paper: First draft
Paper: Final draft
Additional Information
This is a brand new course, part of a roster of all new CLST courses. I am really excited to roll it out.
Whether you have an interest in economics, are keen to think about the intersection of this area with social, cultural, political, legal or religious life, or just want to expand your knowledge of antiquity in a novel way, this should be a fun and fruitful course!
