"Republics and Revolutions" Reading Group

"Republics and Revolutions" is a dinner reading group for young professionals in the Bay Area that meets 1-2 times per month. The reading group aims to introduce the political history of Greek and Roman democracies and republics to those who may not have had the opportunity to study these topics before. Our particular focus is on the causes of republican decline and fall, and how they were replaced by despotic or imperial regimes. Participants will read ancient and modern authors who seek to understand why these democracies and republics fell, and who apply this understanding to their own political situations.

Discussions will normally be led by Nathan Pinkoski, though other instructors will occasionally lead sessions. For the Fall quarter (October-December 2021), we shall read this edition of Fustel de Coulanges, The Ancient City. Please purchase a copy and bring it to our meetings.

We shall meet on the following Thursdays. Dinner is provided by the Zephyr Institute, and participants are encouraged to bring drinks to share.

1. Oct. 14th, 630-8pm (Reading Assignment: The Ancient City, Introduction and Book I)
2. Oct. 28th, 630-8pm (Reading Assignment: The Ancient City, Books II and III)
3. Nov. 18th, 630-8pm (Reading Assignment: The Ancient City, Book IV)
4. Dec. 2nd, 630-8pm (Reading Assignment: The Ancient City, Book V)