This course will study the earliest known clash between religion and science in world history, with topics ranging from Greek mythology to the origins of science, and from the birth of Olympian Zeus to that of the first computer. Our sources will be the words of Greek writers and thinkers themselves.

The ancient Greeks practiced an extraordinary religion, based on some crude and peculiar myths and rituals, and codified those beliefs in poems that were basic to their civilization. Yet their society also produced the first people we know of who asked whether the sun and moon are actually gods, whether the world was created or not, whether the world is flat or round, where life came from, what everything is made of, and many other basic questions. In answer, they came up with radically new scientific, religious and philosophical ideas like atoms, molecules, souls, daemons, evolution, and reincarnation. As such theories became better known in Athens, education there changed to accommodate more scientific approaches. The Athenians came to fear that these ideas were a danger to society, and sought to stamp them out.

This course will help you to develop college-level skills in writing.

Course Requirements:

There will be approximately 50 pages of reading per week, two short papers, a midterm and a final examination.

Intended Audience:

Sophomores. No previous knowledge or language skills are required. This course is a good sequel to Classical Civilization 101, Ancient Greek world, or an equivalent course, but it is not a prerequisite. Introductory science classes in physics, astronomy, or biology, might also be useful, but are not a prerequisite either.

Class Format:

There are two two meetings per week consisting of lecture and discussion.