Join beloved course leader Forest Hansen as he guides us through the timeless works of ancient Greek drama!
This semester, we will read and discuss three quite different ancient Greek dramas by Sophocles, Aristophanes, and Euripides: Oedipus Rex, Lysistrata, and Medea. Though ancient, all have relevance today. Oedipus Rex, of course, was a famous reference for Freud’s psychology. Lysistrata can claim to be the first feminist work, telling of how Athenian and Spartan women planned to end the war between their cities by withholding sex from their men. And the Met has recently given Luigi Cherubini’s late 18th-century opera Medea a modern form.
What to Expect: You will gain a greater understanding of the themes and variety of ancient Greek drama and the enduring power of their storytelling. These ancient Greek dramas may be rooted in the past, but their relevance echoes loudly in today’s world.
Feedback from past courses with Forest:
“Forest has a knack to stimulate his students to want to learn more about each subject! A great teacher!”
“Forest is a rare and gifted course instructor. I thoroughly enjoyed his online class on “Meno” and look forward to participating in other Chesapeake Forum courses he offers. A scholarly, engaging, inquisitive, and delightful group of attendees. I learned as much from the participants and Forest, as Plato and Socrates!”
“This was my first class with Forest Hansen and my first experience with Plato. Forest is a very good teacher and facilitator, and did a great job at keeping a lively discussion going. I also learned a lot from the participants, some of whom were well read in philosophy.”
Here are your links to the YouTube Recordings of each class session:
