The Greek and Roman Drama

This course is dedicated to one of the most important and influential genres of ancient Greece and Rome. We will review the history of the Greek and Roman theater, discuss the types of Greek and Roman drama – tragedy and comedy – and their characteristics, and read from the plays of the greatest playwrights: Aeschylus, Sophocles, Euripides, Aristophanes, Menander, Seneca and Plautus. Also, we will trace the influence and reception of ancient drama in modern times.

This is an introductory course that requires no previous knowledge of Classical drama.

Course requirements: full attendance, regular reading assignments (30%) and final exam (70%).