Ancient Greek History 3: The Rise and Fall of Sparta - Macedonian Supremacy
In this 20-week class students delve into Late Classical Greek History (380s BCE to 320s BCE), discuss major ideas, personalities and events, and combine them with the material culture, artistic expression and religious beliefs of the time
Spyridon (Spiros) Loumakis
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:(776)
What's included
20 live meetings
20 in-class hoursHomework
1-2 hours per week. Homework, designed to take no more than an hour in total per week, will be assigned in two forms: (a) the students will have to read carefully a source sheet of primary sources from ancient Greek literature in English translation (chosen and distributed by me in advance each week), related to each weeks topic, in order to enrich class discussion, with the purpose of introducing the student in the skill of critical thinking, (b) an optional Mid-Term quiz for classes 1 to 10 will be distributed during the 10th week, and a second optional final quiz for classes 11-20 at the end of the course.Assessment
I do not believe that a letter grade is meaningful for a course in ancient Greek History. However, as I often do with small classes (up to 6 students), I communicate with the parents and the children directly, providing my personal comments, private feedback and an informal assessment.Class Experience
US Grade 7 - 9
Intermediate - Advanced Level
(A) Required Experience: This is a 20-week course addressed both to students who already have a background on ancient civilizations, and a special interest in the ancient Greek History, and to those who are looking for the first time to build a solid grounding in their knowledge of the ancient Greek world. (B) Teaching style and students interaction: The learning process of this class is based on a combination of a power-point presentation, a lecture that asks students to participate, class dialogue, questions based on the ongoing lecture, and new ideas based on the participants. There is not one universal solution to teach. Rather I combine techniques to achieve the maximum of my strengths and of my students. Having taught so far young kids, teenagers, University students and mature learners, I know that teachers need to approach students with understanding. After all, such a small class has the advantage of making the combined technique of ppt presentation-lecture-dialogue feasible and efficient. Thanks to Zoom, engaging students and interacting with them is always possible.
Learning Goals
Students will be able to appreciate the beauty and importance of the study of history.They will learn how to use archaeological excavations, primary sources (translated from Greek and Latin), and various aspects of ancient material culture (art, architecture, coins etc).
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created Curriculum20 Lessons
over 20 WeeksLesson 1:
Rise of Thebes - Theban Confederacy - Battle of Tegea (375 BCE)
Lesson 1 is about the rise of the third great city-state in Greek history, that of Thebes [the other two powers are Athens and Sparta covered in Part 2], and the formation of a new political formation controlled by Thebes, the Theban Confederacy. This Confederacy will become the blueprint for the U.S. Federal system. The battle of Tegea in 375 BCE will give the first great victory of Thebes over Sparta, starting the latter's eventual downfall. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Theban Hegemony - Battle of Leuctra (374-367 BCE)
Lesson 2 covers the years between 374 and 367 BCE during which Thebes dominates Greece, culminating at the battle of Leuctra, a devastating defeat of Sparta. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
The Years 366-361 BCE - Battle of Mantinea
Lesson 3 deals with the consistent attacks of Thebes in the Peloponnese to conclude the downfall of Sparta and make Thebes the uncontested hegemon of Greece. The battle of Mantinea in 361 BCE was the final defeat of Sparta, but also the death of the most important Theban leader, Epameinondas, the creator of Theban hegemony. 60 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
The Rise of Macedonia
Lesson 4 is an introduction to the fourth major power in Greece, the Macedonian kingdom, a dormant power until the 350s BCE. The class deals with the history of the Macedonian kings until Philip II. 60 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
In the ancient Greek art gods are depicted often (but not always) naked. The Greek word for a naked man is "gymnos" and that is why in English today we say "gymnastics" or "gym" although our children and athletes wear uniforms. This being said, any artistic reproduction in ancient art should be expected to show nude gods. I try to use as less as possible, but it is not always within my hands since this is the nature of the ancient Greek art itself. Since, it is an art that comes from an era where there were no photographs, or videos, the art is found only on painted vases, wall paintings and sculpture. Nudity was never meant to provoke, but to tell to the ancient viewer that gods are not mortal humans and, thus, they do not need clothes. As you may very well understand, I cannot change the history of art, nor my preference as teacher of mythology to show students the original art from ancient times.
Pre-Requisites
Learners are strongly advised to take first "Ancient Greek History 1" and "Ancient Greek History 2". However, if they feel strong enough in history or interested in Alexander the Great in particular, they may join this class directly.
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined March, 2020
4.9
776reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
I have a B.A. and M.A. in Ancient Greek and Roman History and Archaeology, as well as an M.A. in History and Philosophy of Religions. I have excavated in ancient Greek sites, I speak Latin and ancient Greek and I am a PhD Candidate. Reviews
Live Group Course
$22
weekly or $440 for 20 classes1x per week, 20 weeks
60 min
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-15
2-6 learners per class
Financial Assistance
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