The course provides an introduction to Ancient Greek drama, with particular emphasis on Attic tragedy, and familiarizes students with the dramaturgy of Aeschylus and Sophocles. Its central thematic focus is the “fall of the powerful” as represented in Aeschylus’ Persians and Sophocles’ Oedipus Tyrannus. Through the close study of these plays, students explore key aspects of tragic dramaturgy, performance conventions, and the cultural, religious, and social contexts of Classical Athens.

Upon successful completion of the course, students are expected to be able to:

• Demonstrate knowledge of the origins and development of Attic tragedy;
• Use appropriate theatrical and dramatic terminology;
• Be familiar with the form and evolution of the theatrical structure in relation to the period of Aeschylus and Sophocles;
• Identify, understand, and critically discuss the dramaturgical characteristics of Aeschylean drama;
• Interpret the structure and the main stages in the development of a tragic plot;
• Explain the function of the Chorus and the sung sections within an ancient tragedy;
• Discuss the themes, conventional motifs, and innovations introduced by Aeschylus and Sophocles;
• Critically examine issues such as the transition from myth to theatrical representation, gender relations, and the role of the divine in Aeschylean and Sophoclean tragedy;
• Use and engage with scholarly literature on Attic tragedy;
• Understand the challenges and requirements involved in translating ancient poetic language into Modern Greek.