Description

This 8-week course will explore the development of Athenian ‘democracy’ in the fifth century BC and its subsequent operation in the fourth century BC.

In the first session, we will briefly examine Attic society in the seventh and sixth centuries and how this began to shape the political institutions that would subsequently develop. The main objective of the course is to analyse the origins of Athenian democracy: when exactly might we say Athenian democracy began? And who might be considered the founder of Athenian democracy?

The subsequent sessions will present an overview of the development of democracy from the seventh-century reforms of Solon to the mid-5th century, focusing especially on the reforms of Kleisthenes, all the while giving due consideration to the term dēmokratia (‘democracy’) itself.

Finally, we must examine the relationship between the governing bodies in Athens and explore how the Athenian political system actually worked in the fifth and fourth centuries.

Participants will meet on Zoom, on Thursday 9th October, 16th October, 23rd October, (mid-term break 30th October), 6th November, 13th November, 20th November, 27th November, and 4th December 2025 at 19:00-20:00 (UK/Ireland time).

No knowledge of ancient Greek is required.

Tutor: Dr Kerry Phelan.

The class will proceed subject to a minimum number of enrolments.

Cancellation policy: students will receive a full refund if the student cancels their registration more than two weeks before the class begins. Students will receive 50% refund if the student cancels their registration 8-14 days before the class begins.