HIST - 338. The Spartans

3 credit(s)
Students will study the history and culture of Sparta from its beginnings ca. 1,000 BCE to its eventual collapse in the 4th Century BCE. The name Sparta has survived in the cultural memory of the west for more than 2,000 years in no small part due to its reputation for heroism and military might. We will examine the character of Spartan society and its emphasis on the heroic ideal. Students will learn how this ideal evolved, and how it enabled Sparta to become the most powerful state in ancient Greece. We will learn that Sparta’s truly unique military, social and political systems came at a heavy price; this aspect of Spartan culture will constitute another major focus of the course. Our examination of Sparta and its history will be based on evidence derived from primary sources, archaeology, art and secondary sources.

Prerequisite(s): Any HIST 100-level course.
Equivalent: (Same as CLSS 360)
Attribute: (ATTR: ARTS, HEUR, PNH)