131-015 Great Civilisations B

Usually 131-014 Great Civilisations A.

This subject surveys the history and institutions of Classical Greece (Athens, Sparta and other states) and Rome down to the early Empire. Special attention will be paid to the formulation and development of the political notions fundamental to Western culture, as well as cultural history. Students who complete this subject should be able to place the classical ages of Greece and Rome (c 500BC-100AD) in context and perspective; have gained basic training in source criticism and essay writing; have some familiarity with fundamental questions in the philosophy of history.