POL 461A Thucydides: War and Leadership
We will read the entire Peloponnesian War by the Greek historian, Thucydides. The goal is not to make you into ancient historians, but to read very carefully a classic of history and strategic thought and a possession for ever. A participant of the war that pitted Athens against Sparta, Thucydides observes with keen interest the course of events, studying the causes of the war, the role of individuals, the fragility of human order, and a slew of eternal questions.
We will read this book trying to put ourselves in the place of the Athenian and Spartan statesmen and generals, examining their decisions and assessing the outcomes. You do not need to be an expert in Greek history but you should come well prepared to discuss the day's readings. Consider a variety of questions as you read: Why did that general decide a particular course of action? What did Athens (or Sparta) think of their enemy? Was the assessment correct? What alternative course of action could have been taken? Who is responsible for a particular outcome? What was the strategy of Athens or Sparta? The list of questions can go on. The point is: when you read, think and don't just memorize one fact after another.
Cross Listed Courses
POL 461A & POL 661