Description
In the 340’s and 330’s, both Aechines and Demosthenes were deeply involved in Athenian politics, and especially in Athens’ troublesome negotiations with Philip of Macedonia. But while a number of their speeches address the same events and topics, these prominent politicians were sworn political opponents.
In this seminar we will address the question how the two orators speak about their shared experiences of the recent past. We will focus on the use of linguistic signs such as verbal aspect forms and interactional particles in the light of modern theories concerning text typology and ‘discourse modes’ (a.o. Carlota Smith Modes of Discourse 2003). We will also make use of some of the insights of existing theories of rhetoric and narratology (focalisation). Thus we will endeavour to reconstruct how these speakers view their respective roles in the recent past and communicate these views to their mass audiences of Athenian citizens.
Teaching method
Seminar
Admission requirements
This course is open to (research)master students in Classics.
Course objectives
Knowledge of primary texts relating to the theme of the class (Demosthenes, Aeschines). Competence to read these texts and understand them within their cultural context.
Knowledge of linguistic (and rhetorical and narratological) apparatus enabling the student to analyse the material studied in this class.
Critical assessment of the secondary literature.
Advanced research skills: independent formulation of complex research question, collecting materials (both primary texts and results of earlier research). Analyzing results, constructing arguments, formulating conclusions.
Oral presentation: presenting clearly and on the basis of arguments the results of the student’s research. Effective use of hand-out, illustrations or multi-media techniques.
Written presentation: setting out of research results effectively, clearly and in a well-structured manner.
Active participation and preparation: the student demonstrates involvement in the topic by asking well-informed and constructive questions and making contributions to the collective progress.
Course load
5 or 10 ects
Required reading
Texts and Translations of the following Speeches
Aeschines Against Timarchus, On the False Embassy, Against Ctesiphon,
Demosthenes, Second Philippic, On the False Embassy, On the Crown
Suggested Reading:
The Speeches of Aeschines, with a translation by C.D. Adams (Loeb Classical Library).
Demosthenes, Orationes, tomus I, ed. E.R. Dilts, Oxford Classical Texts, 2002.
Test method
When taken for 10 ects: Active participation in class (10%), Oral presentation (30%), Oral Exam on two selected speeches (20%); paper (40%).
When this class is taken for 5 ects, no final paper is required (grade will consist of participation/preparation (20%), oral presentation (50%), oral exam on two speeches (30%).
Time table
Information
Dr A.M. Rademaker (a.m.rademaker@hum.leidenuniv.nl )
Registration
Please enroll in U-twist, choose “GLTC” in the administration list:
http://www.ulcn.leidenuniv.nl/content_docs/inloggen/inloggen_u-twist.htm
Blackboard
Handouts for the presentations will be distributed via Blackboard in advance. ### Remarks
Not applicable