POLIS AND PEOPLE

POLIS AND PEOPLE

Civic Institutions and the Development of Democracy

Prof. J. Andrew Overman

Dept. of Classics

Office Hours T & Th 9:30-12:00 & by Appt.

This new course analyzes civic institutions from the classical world with view toward understanding their respective contribution to the evolution of democratic forms and processes and the development of a civil society. Ancient Greece has rightly or wrongly been viewed as the putative birthplace of democracy and nascent democratic institutions.

We will discuss the civic institutions from Greece which are most closely associated with the development of democracy and an open society in classical Greece.

Secondly we will look for analogous roles in contemporary society. Do the same or similar institutions today play similar roles in terms of provoking democratic forms and ideals? What contribution do these institutions make today in helping to help forge a so-called civil society?

We will begin by looking at several formative features of Greek democracy and Greek civil society. Those features will be; the structure and architectural form(s) of the polis; free speech and political discourse; the courts and law; libraries; and the theater.

You will write five 5-8 page papers on each of these sections. We will have an in-class quiz prior to mid-term reviewing important classical Greek notions, dates and developments. You will also finally make a presentation to our class about a contemporary institution or example which is analogous to one of these classical forms or institutions. The presentation is your opportunity to teach the class. The presentation may be done with another person in the class if you so desire. You must meet with Professor Overman prior to your presentation to discuss both the topic and the outline of the presentation. The example you discuss should be derived from the Twin Cities urban setting. To this end in the second half of the course we will visit examples of these institutions in the Twin Cities today. This will include the new Minneapolis Public Library, the Mixed Blood Theater, the State Supreme Court, and discuss contemporary political debate and discourse with a contemporary political figure. Your final presentation to the class will be an analysis of a contemporary expression of an urban institution that promotes democratic forms and civil society.

While we will have many handouts in the class, the two primary texts for the course are A.H.M. Jones’ Athenian Democracy and Josh Ober’s Mass and Elite in Democratic Athens: Rhetoric, Ideology, and the Power of the People. You will also be provided with an extensive bibliography right away so you are equipped to begin your own research into these institutions in classical Athens and the broader classical Greek world.

Jan.23-Feb.1: Introducing Classical Athens; Ober, first one hundred pages; Jones, 3-22.

Feb.6-15: Free and Public Speech; Popular & Elite audiences: Ober 104-91; Jones 23-40.

(First paper on demokratia due Feb. 16)

Feb.20-27: Democracy and Its Critics: Ober 248-340; Jones 41-74; 99-135; “How the Criticize Democracy,” essay by Ober provided on-line.

(Second paper on What’s Wrong with Democracy? Due March 15)

March 1: In-Class Quiz

March 13 Building the Greek City – What was in the Greek city and how did it “work”?

March 15 The Agora in the Modern City (visit) - Reminder - Second paper due

March 20 Pericles, his Images and his Speeches (readings)

March 22 Free Speech and Political discourse in the modern polis (speaker)

(Third paper on “the relation between architecture, urban planning and democracy”

due March 26)

-Selection of Greek plays available on line-

March 27 Athenian Courts and her laws (readings)

March 29 The Court and her laws at work? (visit)

April 3 Theater – Where Democracy was most in evidence? (readings)

April 5 The Theater today – democractic institution? The voice of the demos? (visit)

(Fourth paper on Greek Theater due April 10)

April 10 Ancient Libraries – their excavation, their use, their legacy (readings)

April 12 more Libraries than McDonalds? The Modern Library and Demokratia (visit)

April 17 – May 1 – In-Class presentations and final paper

May 1 final 5-8 page paper due on Libraries or a topic discussed with Prof. Overman