Abstract
Statement of Problem
Due to shrinking enrollment rates in history and humanities, I would like to create an interdisciplinary course curriculum that focuses on a brief snapshot in history and dives deep into the culture looking at its art, politics, values, and government while also conducting an in-depth study of the historical narrative throughout this period in order to revitalize and re-imagine this course of study. The corresponding Project does this by utilizing an interdisciplinary approach in history and humanities and focuses entirely on 5th-century BCE Athens while making as many plausible connections as possible with modern events in order to arrive at a relatable curriculum.
Sources of Data
I have looked at the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System to uncover the shrinking enrollment and reduction in history and humanities majors over the last decade. I have also examined the Sierra and Solano Community Colleges course catalogs which showed they omitted the humanities program entirely. The following are my primary, contemporary and modern secondary sources, literature, as well as handouts included in the appendices that I used to shape the curriculum for this project course:
1. Robin Osborne, The World of Athens: An Introduction to Classical Athenian Culture 2nd Edition
2. Thucydides, History of the Peloponnesian War
3. Herodotus, The Histories
4. Victor Davis Hanson, A War like No Other: How the Athenians and Spartans Fought the Peloponnesian War
5. Plutarch, Greek Lives
6. Sophocles, Antigone
7. Aeschylus, The Persians
8. Aristophanes, Lysistrata
9. Hesiod, Works and Days
Conclusions Reached
I believe the shortened timeline and the interdisciplinary approach as well as the connection with modern historical events within this course reimagines the way the material is presented and would generate deeper comprehension and more enthusiasm for the material and perhaps for the humanities and history at large. The varied pedagogical approach which includes lectures, group activities, interactive theater, and group debates creates a more dynamic classroom.