World to 1500
Writing Assignment
Democracy and Oligarchy in Classical Greece
Imagine that you are a citizen of Athens just after the overthrow of the Thirty Tyrants. Citizens must decide whether to return to a system of direct democracy like that Athens had during the Peloponnesian War, to create a severely limited oligarchy like that under the Thirty, or to devise a more inclusive oligarchy that still limits participation in some way (perhaps as Theramenes described his goal in our excerpt from Xenophon’s Hellenica, Critias vs. Theramenes). Decide whether you believe that democracy or oligarchy, narrow or moderately inclusive, was a better form of government for Athens in the 4th century BCE and write a short essay defending your position. Write the essay as if it were a speech before the Athenian assembly. Pericles’ funeral oration or the speech of Cleon on Mitylene can be models for your oratory.
Base your decision on the arguments and primary source evidence in
Thucydides on the rise of factionalism, and his report on the debate on the fate of Mytilene
Sophocles’ Antigone
Xenophon’s “Critias vs. Theramenes” from his Hellenica
Lysias 12
Also base your argument on your analysis of the lessons of the actual historical record, based on the lectures, and the textbook.
Your essay should
define what would constitute a “better” form of government in 4th century Athens: this should include consideration both of the problems of the age, and of the values you bring to bear in making your judgment
include a strong thesis: that is, you should take a clear position that democracy or some specific form of oligarchy fits this definition of “better”
present evidence to support your position, through references to the primary sources, as well as to the historical record
show explicitly how the evidence you offer proves the point you are trying to make
address the claims of the alternative position: if you have supported some form of oligarchy, how do you refute the evidence in favor of democracy, and vice versa
Audience: your classmates and instructor who have read the texts
Requirements
About 3 pages, typed, double-spaced, with 12 point font and 1 inch margins – submit on Canvas
Standard English: correct grammar, punctuation, usage and spelling. Remember that your spell-checker is an untrustworthy friend, and proofread carefully. You may consult the Writing Center for assistance.
Reference the sources by the author or speaker. Reference the textbook by entering the author’s name and the page number in parentheses at the end of the relevant sentence, before the final period.
Keep a copy of the final version of your paper until the final grades are in for this course.
Evaluation criteria
A Essay defines what is meant by “better” with specific reference to the problems of Greece at the beginning of the fourth century BCE. It asserts a clear position, defends it with appropriate factual evidence from the all the primary source readings, makes use of the historical record to support the argument, shows explicitly how the evidence supports the position taken, and rebuts counter-arguments.
B Essay defines “better” and asserts a clear position, and defends it with evidence from a couple of readings, but the definition of “better” is not well thought out and/or; the evidence is incomplete and/or there is little explicit connection between the evidence and the thesis and/or; it makes little or no use of the actual historical record to support the position taken and/or ; it ignores counter-arguments
C Essay asserts a position and offers some evidence, but does not defend it adequately; factual evidence partially inadequate / incorrect / or inappropriate; significant errors in language;
D Essay describes historical data, but does not make an argument; offers little or no supporting evidence; argument is irrelevant
F Essay does not address the question
F for the course:
Essay is dishonest. Plagiarism may include unattributed borrowing of extensive passages or scattered phrases or key ideas from another source. Follow the Canvas links to the Catalog for definitions of academic dishonesty. If in doubt, consult your instructor.
Points
100
Submitting
a text entry box or a file upload
Allowed Attempts
