Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Summer 2025 - HUM 277 D100

History of Greek Civilization (3)

Class Number: 3289

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    May 12 – Aug 8, 2025: Thu, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    Recommended: HUM 110.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Surveys the history of Greek civilization from Mycenaean times to Rome's conquest of Greece. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

Having been asked on his deathbed to whom he bequests his empire, Alexander the Great, according to a legend, responded: “To the best one.” Thus, began to develop legends about the great general and king of Macedon and Asia, Alexander who is to be known as Great. Similarly, tales and myths have evolved around other Greek kings, masters, slaves, heroes, and even whole cities so that the Ancient Greeks would be able to explain and remember their own great past.

This course follows the socioeconomic and political evolution of Greek civilization from c. 3000 BCE and the rise of the first sedentary culture of the Minoans in Crete to 146 BCE when the Greek city-states of Greece were conquered by the Romans. It examines the outcomes of migration, the rise of cities, development of trade, economy and colonialism in the Ancient Greek world. Important questions this course will consider include: who were the Greeks? What role does mythology play in helping to understand the ancient world? What is the relationship between Greece and migration? By answering these questions, and more, students will come to possess a greater understanding of ancient Greece and how perceptions of it influence the world today.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

At the end of the course, students will be able to demonstrate their proficiency in the following activities:

  • Read and analyse Humanities texts to academic standards.
  • Place texts in their historical and cultural context.
  • Gain an understanding of the phenomenon of Hellenism and its relationship to humanity.
  • Understand Hellenism how it was conceived in both its ancient and modern contexts.

Grading

  • In-Class Participation 20%
  • Two Quizzes 20%
  • Midterm 30%
  • Final Exam 30%

NOTES:

This course fulfills the Global Humanities requirements for the

Materials

REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

At SFU, you are expected to act honestly and responsibly in all your academic work. Cheating, plagiarism, or any other form of academic dishonesty harms your own learning, undermines the efforts of your classmates who pursue their studies honestly, and goes against the core values of the university.

To learn more about the academic disciplinary process and relevant academic supports, visit: 


RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.