Plutarch

An approach to History that has fallen out of favor with contemporary historians is the study of "great men."

Revisionists want to cast all of history as a product of class conflict and economic catalysts.  I prefer the "great man" approach and have taught this way throughout my academic experiences.

In the History of Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome courses, we use the writings of the Greek biographer, Plutarch (c. 46-122).  He wrote biographies of the great Greeks and Romans. These character studies are not like Parson Weems' accounts of George Washington, but include the unflattering along with the praise.

Plutarch is not easy to read, and  has proven quite a challenge to my students in past semesters. But, they persevered, and felt a great sense of accomplishment in so doing.  This fall, we will return to Plutarch in the History of Amcient Greece, and I am looking forward to watching the students grow in patience and historical knowledge as they walk back in time with this great Greek biographer.