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From Athens to Rome: Ancient Historians

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Explore timeless lessons on leadership

MAX. NO. PARTICIPANTS: 16

LOCATION: Leiden

Wednesday 14.30 - 16.30

DATA: January 29 - May 21 2025

LANGUAGE: English

COST: €2.195

DEADLINE: January 4th, 2025


Description Study materials FAQ Start your application

From Athens to Rome: Ancient Historians

In this seminar, you read some of the greatest ancient historians, such as Herodotus, Thucydides, Plutarch, and Tacitus. You will explore the rise and fall of Athens and Rome, you will confront enduring questions such as: what is the connection between democracy and empire? Why do different forms of government give way to one another? How can civil concord be achieved and civil war avoided? You will pay special attention to the role of leadership, with students reflecting on the virtues and vices of the great men of classical antiquity by reading the lives of Pericles, Caesar, Augustus, and others.

Teachers: Dr. Jordi Wiersma and Mr. Gerard Versluis

Study materials

Jan 29 : Herodotus, Histories, I
 
Feb 5 : Herodotus, Histories, II, 1-3, 50-53, 112-120; III, 27-38, 61-88, 150-160; IV, 1, 121-142; V, 35-38, 49-51, 55, 91-93, 97-105; VI, 46-72, 94-120
 
Feb 12 : Herodotus, Histories, VII, 1-60, 99-152, 172-239
 
Feb 19: Herodotus, Histories, VIII, 1-117; IX, 1-19, 58-122

Feb 26 : Thucydides, Peloponnesian War, I, 1-88, 118-125, 139-146; II, 1-24, 34-46
 
Mar 5 : Thucydides, Peloponnesian War, II, 47-78; III, 1-85; IV, 1-41

Mar 12 : Thucydides, Peloponnesian War, IV, 78-116; V, 1-26, 40-74, 84-116; V, 1-26, 40-74, 84-116; VI, 1, 8-32
 
Mar 19 : Thucydides, Peloponnesian War, VI, 33-61, 89-105; VII.
 
Mar 26 : no class, vacation week
 
Apr 2 : Plutarch, Lives, Alexander
 
Apr 9 : Plutarch, Lives, Caesar, Cato the Younger
 
Apr 16 : Tacitus, Annals, I-II
 
Apr 23 : Tacitus, Annals, IV-VI
 
Apr 30 : Tacitus, Annals, XIII-XV
 
May 7 : Gibbon, Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, I-III
 
May 14 : Gibbon, Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire, XV
 
May 21 : Examination

FAQ

Where can I find the syllabus for this course?

Advanced students in all fields. Recently graduated or professional: you are very welcome too.

Who is the teacher?

Dr. Jordi Wiersma (president Pascal Institute) and Mr. Gerard Versluis (dean Pascal Institute)

When does this course take place?

From 29 January to 21 May.

What do I receive after this course?

Upon successfully completing the course, you will receive a certificate.

Classroom discussion

All class sessions will be conducted as “seminars,” in which Socratic conversations and close reading will take place. Students are expected to actively participate in the discussion for the duration of each class session.

What is the Studium, and when can I use it?

The Studium is a dedicated study space for students enrolled in a course at the Pascal Institute. You are welcome to use it every weekday from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The Studium offers a quiet environment where you can focus and find inspiration. For more information, please contact aanmeldingen@pascalinstitute.com

How much does it cost?

This course costs €2.195 per semester. 16 weeks of class, 2 hours per week.

Am I eligible for a scholarship?

There are various foundations providing scholarships for students. One such foundation is Landmerk, which specifically supports liberal education based on the great books. There are scholarships available for 100%, 90%, 75% and 50% of the tuition fee. For more information, visit: landmerk.nl/beurzen. Scholarships are awarded by an independent selection committee.

Many students have already been granted scholarships for our courses.

How do I apply?

The deadline is January 4th 2025. You can start the application process by filling out the form at the bottom of this page.

Start your application