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Ben Lugosch
Over the years, I've taught many different kinds of classics courses to all kinds of different audiences. This class on Udemy is a distillation of the topics that students have responded to most positively and have most often asked about. We start with a look at the physical world of the Greeks, and then take up the Iliad of Homer. After that we look in detail how Herodotus presents the beginning of the great conflict between Greece and Persian, and finish up with an overview of the various Greek philosophers.
Read more
Over the years, I've taught many different kinds of classics courses to all kinds of different audiences. This class on Udemy is a distillation of the topics that students have responded to most positively and have most often asked about. We start with a look at the physical world of the Greeks, and then take up the Iliad of Homer. After that we look in detail how Herodotus presents the beginning of the great conflict between Greece and Persian, and finish up with an overview of the various Greek philosophers.
Read more
Over the years, I've taught many different kinds of classics courses to all kinds of different audiences. This class on Udemy is a distillation of the topics that students have responded to most positively and have most often asked about. We start with a look at the physical world of the Greeks, and then take up the Iliad of Homer. After that we look in detail how Herodotus presents the beginning of the great conflict between Greece and Persian, and finish up with an overview of the various Greek philosophers.
If you're taking a class in Greek culture somewhere and need a little help, or if you are a motivated autodidact, I'm sure you'll find these lectures a good step forward in your understanding and appreciation of the world of the Greeks.
Thanks for having a look.
-bl
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/5su59m/lectures
What's inside
Syllabus
Outlines of Greek History
An overview of Greek history.
The Pre-Greek Cultures of the Cycladic Islands and Crete
The Late Bronze Age (AKA Mycenaean Age)
Read more
Syllabus
Outlines of Greek History
An overview of Greek history.
The Pre-Greek Cultures of the Cycladic Islands and Crete
The Late Bronze Age (AKA Mycenaean Age)
Read more
In the first lecture of the unit on Homer and the Iliad, we look at Homer's world.
This lecture takes up some of the stories associated with the saga of the Trojan War but not included in either of the Homeric epics.
This is a review of images only. There is no audio this time.
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Read about what's good
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Teaches the concepts of Greek history, culture, literature, and philosophy, which are fundamental pillars of western civilization
Covers various aspects of Greek culture, enabling learners to develop an understanding of architecture, sculpture, drama, and poetry
Explores diverse perspectives and ideas, providing learners with a well-rounded understanding of Greek thought and its impact on Western civilization
Led by Ben Lugosch, an experienced instructor with expertise in Ancient Greek Civilization, ensuring the delivery of high-quality and engaging content
Facilitates learner understanding through a range of materials, including videos, readings, discussions, and interactive elements, making the learning process engaging and effective
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Reviews summary
Comprehensive lectures on greek history and culture
According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of ancient Greece, covering history, literature, and philosophy. Many find the instructor's deep knowledge and passionate delivery to be a significant strength, making complex topics clear and accessible. The lectures are frequently praised for their well-structured content and suitable pacing for those new to the subject or seeking a refresher. While some suggest a need for additional self-study for deeper philosophical concepts, the course is broadly considered an excellent foundation for enthusiasts and autodidacts alike.
The course primarily consists of lectures without additional interactive elements.
"I sometimes wished there were more resources or discussion prompts, as it's purely lecture-based."
"The course felt a bit like a traditional university lecture, which is good for self-study but lacks interactivity."
"It's a listen-and-learn format, which suited me, but those looking for quizzes or assignments might find it lacking."
Recent updates indicate an improvement in the overall audio quality of the lectures.
"My only minor critique would be that sometimes the audio quality varied slightly, but it wasn't a major issue."
"The updated audio in some recent sections is a nice touch, enhancing the listening experience."
"I appreciate the consistent improvements in production, especially the audio, which makes the lectures even better."
Lectures are well-organized and generally paced appropriately for learners.
"The lectures are well-paced and easy to follow. A great introduction."
"Very comprehensive and well-structured lectures. Overall, a solid course."
"The pacing was mostly good, though a couple of the longer lectures could have benefited from being broken into smaller chunks..."
Offers a broad and detailed overview of Greek history, literature, and philosophy.
"Absolutely loved this course! I particularly enjoyed the detailed breakdown of the Iliad."
"Very comprehensive and well-structured lectures. I found the section on Greek philosophers particularly insightful."
"It offered a great balance of history, literature, and philosophy without overwhelming me."
The instructor's expertise and clear teaching style are highly valued.
"The instructor is incredibly knowledgeable and passionate."
"Professor's explanations are so clear and engaging."
"The instructor brings the material to life with his engaging style. It's clear he knows his subject inside and out."
Some learners may need to supplement lectures for deeper dives into specific topics.
"Good overview, but I felt some parts, especially philosophy, were a bit rushed for the amount of content."
"I had to do a lot of extra reading to fully grasp everything, especially the philosophical concepts."
"While comprehensive, I found myself doing additional research to fully explore certain topics."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Lectures on Greek History and Culture with these
activities:
Brush Up on Ancient History
Show steps
Reviewing key concepts in ancient history will provide foundational knowledge for understanding the Greek world.
Browse courses on
Ancient History
Show steps
-
Read a general overview of ancient history.
-
Focus on the history of Greece, especially the Archaic and Classical periods.
-
Review the major events and figures of Greek history.
Explore Homer's Iliad
Show steps
Reading and analyzing Homer's Iliad will provide insight into Greek mythology, culture, and values.
View
The Iliad
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Analyze the themes and symbols of the poem.
-
Read the Iliad in its entirety.
-
Identify the main characters and their motivations.
Explore Greek Art and Architecture
Show steps
Engaging with tutorials on Greek art and architecture will enhance understanding of the visual and material culture of the Greeks.
Browse courses on
Greek Art
Show steps
-
Find online tutorials or documentaries on Greek art and architecture.
-
Follow the tutorials to learn about different styles and techniques.
-
Analyze the significance and symbolism of Greek art and architecture.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Join a Greek Culture Study Group
Show steps
Participating in a study group will provide opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and deeper exploration of Greek culture.
Show steps
-
Find or create a study group focused on Greek culture.
-
Meet regularly to discuss assigned topics and share insights.
-
Collaborate on projects or presentations related to Greek culture.
Create a Timeline of Greek History
Show steps
Creating a timeline will reinforce understanding of the sequence and duration of key events in Greek history.
Browse courses on
Greek History
Show steps
-
Gather information about major events in Greek history.
-
Organize the events chronologically.
-
Create a visual representation of the timeline.
Read Herodotus' Histories
Show steps
Reading Herodotus' Histories will provide a deeper understanding of the Persian Wars and their impact on Greek history.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read the Histories in its entirety.
-
Identify the main events and figures of the Persian Wars.
-
Analyze Herodotus' writing style and historical methods.
Contribute to Open Source Projects on Greek History or Culture
Show steps
Contributing to open source projects related to Greek history or culture will provide practical experience and deepen understanding.
Browse courses on
Greek History
Show steps
-
Find open source projects related to Greek history or culture.
-
Identify ways to contribute to the project, such as research, writing, or code development.
-
Make contributions to the project and engage with the community.
Brush Up on Ancient History
Show steps
Reviewing key concepts in ancient history will provide foundational knowledge for understanding the Greek world.
Browse courses on
Ancient History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read a general overview of ancient history.
- Focus on the history of Greece, especially the Archaic and Classical periods.
- Review the major events and figures of Greek history.
Explore Homer's Iliad
Show steps
Reading and analyzing Homer's Iliad will provide insight into Greek mythology, culture, and values.
View
The Iliad
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Analyze the themes and symbols of the poem.
- Read the Iliad in its entirety.
- Identify the main characters and their motivations.
Explore Greek Art and Architecture
Show steps
Engaging with tutorials on Greek art and architecture will enhance understanding of the visual and material culture of the Greeks.
Browse courses on
Greek Art
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find online tutorials or documentaries on Greek art and architecture.
- Follow the tutorials to learn about different styles and techniques.
- Analyze the significance and symbolism of Greek art and architecture.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Join a Greek Culture Study Group
Show steps
Participating in a study group will provide opportunities for discussion, collaboration, and deeper exploration of Greek culture.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find or create a study group focused on Greek culture.
- Meet regularly to discuss assigned topics and share insights.
- Collaborate on projects or presentations related to Greek culture.
Create a Timeline of Greek History
Show steps
Creating a timeline will reinforce understanding of the sequence and duration of key events in Greek history.
Browse courses on
Greek History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Gather information about major events in Greek history.
- Organize the events chronologically.
- Create a visual representation of the timeline.
Read Herodotus' Histories
Show steps
Reading Herodotus' Histories will provide a deeper understanding of the Persian Wars and their impact on Greek history.
View
Melania
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read the Histories in its entirety.
- Identify the main events and figures of the Persian Wars.
- Analyze Herodotus' writing style and historical methods.
Contribute to Open Source Projects on Greek History or Culture
Show steps
Contributing to open source projects related to Greek history or culture will provide practical experience and deepen understanding.
Browse courses on
Greek History
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Find open source projects related to Greek history or culture.
- Identify ways to contribute to the project, such as research, writing, or code development.
- Make contributions to the project and engage with the community.
Career center
Learners who complete Lectures on Greek History and Culture will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Archaeologist
Archaeologist
Archaeologists study past peoples and cultures by excavating and examining material remains like pottery, tools, and buildings. This course may help an aspiring Archaeologist build a foundation for exploring the material remains of ancient Greek culture. The course's overview of Greek pottery and temples can help an Archaeologist contextualize the artifacts they are asked to excavate and examine.
Archivist
Archivist
Archivists acquire, preserve, arrange, describe, and make accessible historical records. This course may help an aspiring Archivist build a foundation for organizing and preserving historical records related to ancient Greece. The course's overview of Greek history and material culture can help an Archivist contextualize the records they handle.
Art historian
Art historian
Art Historians study history through the lens of visual art and objects. This course may help an aspiring Art Historian build a foundation for exploring the art of ancient Greece. The course's overview of Greek art and sculpture can help an Art Historian contextualize the artwork they study.
Museum Educator
Museum Educator
Museum Educators develop and implement educational programs for museum visitors. This course may help an aspiring Museum Educator build a foundation for teaching visitors about ancient Greek history and culture. The course's overview of Greek history, material culture, and philosophy can help a Museum Educator contextualize the materials they teach.
Museum curator
Museum curator
Museum Curators plan and implement exhibitions, handle collections of museum artifacts and objects, and conduct educational programs for the public. This course provides insights into the types of artifacts that are housed in museums. Context on Greek culture and pottery, along with a familiarity with Greek philosophy, can help a Curator contextualize and interpret the objects they are asked to curate.
Professor
Professor
Professors teach and conduct research at colleges and universities. This course may help an aspiring Professor build a foundation for teaching and conducting research in Classics, Art History, Anthropology, or a related field. The course's overview of Greek history, material culture, and philosophy can help a Professor contextualize the subjects they teach.
Museum Archivist
Museum Archivist
Museum Archivists maintain and care for textual and pictorial archives related to the collections, histories, and programs of their museums. This course can provide a background to the types of artifacts and objects that are housed in museums. Context on Greek culture and pottery, along with a familiarity with Greek philosophy, can help an Archivist contextualize the histories they are asked to document.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians help people find and access information. This course may help an aspiring Librarian build a foundation for assisting researchers interested in Greek history and culture. The course's overview of Greek history and material culture can help a Librarian contextualize the reference materials they provide.
Anthropologist
Anthropologist
Anthropologists study the behavior, origin, and development of humans. This course may help an aspiring Anthropologist build a foundation for exploring ancient Greek culture. The course's overview of Greek history and culture can help an Anthropologist contextualize the work of more specialized anthropologists.
Historian
Historian
Historians research, analyze, and write about the past. This course may help an aspiring Historian build a foundation for exploring ancient Greek history. The course's overview of Greek history and culture can help a Historian contextualize the work of more specialized historians.
Journalist
Journalist
Journalists write, edit, and report on news stories for various forms of media, including newspapers, magazines, and online publications.
Writer
Writer
Authors write or contribute written material, such as books, scripts, articles, speeches, and technical reports.
Travel Writer
Travel Writer
Travel Writers produce written, visual, and audio accounts of their travels, often for magazines and newspapers.
Editor
Editor
Editors review, revise, and prepare written material for publication or broadcast.
Publisher
Publisher
Publishers produce, market, and distribute books, newspapers, magazines, and other printed matter.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5su59m/lectures
Reading list
We've selected 11 books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Lectures on Greek History and Culture.
Save
The course focuses on the transition from the Mycenaean to the Dark Ages, but the Iliad necessary read for any study of Greek history or culture. Learn about the legendary siege of Troy and how Homer depicts the world of the Greeks.
Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics classic work on moral philosophy that explores the nature of happiness, virtue, and the good life. It is essential reading for anyone interested in Greek philosophy.
This handbook provides a comprehensive overview of Greek and Roman art and architecture. It valuable reference for anyone interested in the course's material on Greek material culture.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Greek mythology, a useful background for the course's material on Greek history and culture.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Greek civilization, from its origins to its decline. It valuable reference for anyone interested in the course's material.
Save
This play trilogy that tells the story of the curse on the House of Atreus, shedding light on Greek mythology and culture.
Save
This play tragedy that tells the story of Oedipus, a king who unknowingly kills his father and marries his mother, exploring themes of fate and free will.
Save
This play tragedy that tells the story of Medea, a woman who seeks revenge on her husband for betraying her, delving into Greek mythology and the role of women in society.
Save
This companion provides a comprehensive guide to Greek mythology, exploring its origins, its development, and its significance.
This dictionary provides a comprehensive overview of Greek and Roman civilization, including history, literature, art, and architecture. It valuable reference for anyone interested in the course's material.
This series provides a comprehensive overview of the history of philosophy in antiquity, from the pre-Socratics to the Neoplatonists. It valuable reference for anyone interested in the course's material on Greek philosophy.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/5su59m/lectures
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