CLAS 345 - America and Antiquity: What the Study of Greece and Rome Taught America's Founders

An examination of the ways in which an understanding of Greek and Roman history, political theory, and ideals (liberty, virtue, beauty, etc.) were influential among important figures involved in the foundations of the government of the United States. The course provides a broad grounding in ancient political thinking as well as the events and figures of ancient history upon which such thinking was based. Special attention will be given to the texts that were the most influential among the 18th-century elite.