Middlebury

FYSE 1026

Herodotus/Historical Writing

Herodotus and the Writing of History
Dubbed ‘the Father of History’ by Cicero, Herodotus saw himself as presenting the results of an investigation in order to preserve human achievements, grant them renown, and above all to explain why the Greeks and Persians came to fight one another. We will read the whole of Herodotus’ Histories, considering the place of story-telling, ethnography, and divine intervention in explaining the past, and exploring how Herodotus’ inquiry spawned historical writing. Ancient and modern discussions about historical writing will supplement the central text. 3 hrs. sem.
Subject:
First Year Seminar
Department:
First-Year Seminar Program
Division:
Interdisciplinary
Requirements Fulfilled:
CW EUR HIS LIT

Sections

Fall 2024

FYSE1026A-F24 Seminar (Chaplin)

Spring 2022

FYSE1026A-S22 Seminar (Chaplin)

Fall 2003

FYSE1026A-F03 Lecture (Olinick)