Stop What You Are Doing and Register for USC President Nikias’s Class this Spring
By Emily
Young MA ’16
If I were a freshman or sophomore, the top class I would have on my registration list is USC President Nikias’s class “The Culture of the Athenian Democracy” (CORE 200). Almost anything can be tied back to the ancient Greeks in some manner: democracy, personal freedom, debate, rhetoric, fine art, architecture, the Olympics, even common sayings. Studying the classics, Antigone, Oedipus the King, and Philoctetes, allows you to examine society today from a different lens. Do the ends always justify the means? Is there honor in lying to serve a nobler cause? Is heroism a struggle against fate? Not only will the readings lead to interesting discussions, the discussions will be lead by one of the greatest minds at USC, President Max Nikias.
I’ve had the pleasure of meeting President Nikias several times through USC athletic events and anyone who has met him will agree, he is the nicest guy ever. He really cares that students are involved in the whole USC experience and wants to elevate our university to the next level. Not only is he extremely caring, but he’s also extremely knowledgeable—especially when it comes to the Greek Classics. President Nikias was born in Cyprus and graduated from the National Technical University of Athens, the oldest and most prestigious higher education institution in Greece. Although he received his master’s and Ph.D. in electrical engineering from The State University of New York at Buffalo, his passion for Athenian democracy and drama has always remained. Each year during Welcome Week for incoming USC freshmen, he teaches a micro-seminar on Greco-Roman history and drama. He also holds a faculty appointment in the classics, as well as one in electrical engineering. “Throughout my life, the classics have been a deep, personal passion,” shared President Nikias. “The ancient Greeks pioneered many of the ideals that remain at the very heart of Western civilization, including democracy and personal freedom.”
How To Get In “The Culture of the Athenian Democracy” (CORE 200):
1. Block out the Time on your Spring Schedule:
Thursdays 2:00-3:50pm in VKC 156 Section 63569D, it’s only a two hour class so no excuses not to sign up.
2. Fill Out the Application by Nov. 6, 2015
Unfortunately,
I cannot sign up since the course is only open to 40 freshmen and sophomores
who started at USC no earlier than fall 2014.
To apply to be in the course, complete the application here: http://undergrad.usc.edu/athenian-democracy/application/
The application is probably the easiest step. It’s your contact information and then two short responses to:
Why are you interested in this class?
Ex. I read a blog on Trojans360 describing the class and it was very stimulating. I am very interested in gaining a better understanding of the classics and modern day society.
Please describe any prior experience you have reading and/or studying classical works of any culture:
Ex. My first semester at USC I took a Western Philosophy class that covered the works of Descartes, Kant, and Hume. In AP literature, I’ve read Antigone and the Odyssey. I have also read the Art of War and a variety of Shakespeare books for fun.
If you have any questions about the class or need an application extension, since it’s already the 5th, contact President Nikias’s co-instructor Professor Habinek at: habinek@usc.edu
3. Start Following President Nikias on Instagram
Not 100% sure if this will help you get into President Nikias’s class or not, but you should definitely check out his Instagram @uscpres. His Instagram is really cool and the link to the class information is in his bio as well. Oh and while you are on Instagram, give @Trojans360 a LIKE, we just started our new account.
4. Read More about the Class and Get Inspired
Course Announcement: http://undergrad.usc.edu/athenian-democracy/
Flyer: http://undergrad.usc.edu/files/2015/10/Nikias-Habinek-course-flyer.pdf
Take advantage of this awesome opportunity before it’s too late!
