Selections from Aristophanes

Course Description

Course Description: This reading course offers an introduction to the comic genius of Aristophanes through selections from some of his most celebrated plays, including Lysistrata, The Birds, and The Wasps. We will read passages in the original Ancient Greek, exploring Aristophanes’ distinctive combination of wit, satire, and masterful wordplay. Through these selections we will get to know the theatrical character of Old Comedy: its jokes, political and social satire, parody, and occasional obscenity, and highly imaginative mixing of myth and contemporary events. Alongside close reading of the Greek, the course will introduce students to the cultural and political world of classical Athens. No previous familiarity with Aristophanes’ works is necessary. The course aims to both develop the students’ confidence in reading Classical Greek and to introduce them to one of antiquity’s most entertaining and influential authors. DETAILS Level: Intermediate. The course is primarily intended for students with an intermediate level of Greek or higher. Students will be expected to do some preparation on the assigned readings individually before each session. Textbook: Instructor will provide materials Sections capped at: 5 students. If the course is sold-out, please fill out this waiting-list form.

Details

• Semester: Fall 2026
• Day: Tuesday
• Time: 1:00 PM ET
• First class: September 29, 2026
• Duration: 60 minutes per session

Tuition

Contact us for pricing

Availability

7 spots remaining out of 7

Cancellation Policy

Telepaideia tuition is non-refundable. However, if you need to cancel your enrollment or withdraw from your class, you may be eligible for a 50% credit to be used toward a future Telepaideia course. In order to be eligible for this credit, you must notify info@paideiainstitute.org of your withdrawal before the second class meeting has taken place.