Republics and Revolutions Reading Group (Spring 2022)

"Republics and Revolutions" is a dinner reading group for students and 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 Spring quarter (April-June 2022), we shall read this edition of Plutarch's Lives. 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. April 7th, 6:30-8 p.m. (Reading Assignment: Life of Theseus)
2. April 21st, 6:30-8 p.m. (Reading Assignment: Life of Romulus)
3. May 12th, 6:30-8 p.m. (Reading Assignment: Life of Lycurgus)
4. May 26th, 6:30-8 p.m. (Reading Assignment: Life of Numa)
5. June 9th, 6:30-8 p.m. (CANCELED)
6. June 23rd, 6:30-8 p.m. (Reading Assignment: Life of Solon and Life of Publicola)