Five Weeks with Plutarch

If we can imagine how it would be to talk each week with a witty, eloquent grandfather who spent his life acquiring detailed knowledge of every major Greek and Roman leader in history, and who was eager to relate the achievements, interesting episodes, and circumstances of each of their lives, all with a sharp eye for catching the moral insights that can be derived from considering what lessons their failures and successes can teach us, then we would understand the privilege of reading Plutarch.  We will read and discuss ten of his lively biographies this summer. 

As the foremost biographer of the great men of Antiquity, Plutarch (46-120 A.D.) wrote his Parallel Lives for the purpose of instruction.  In the process of writing--as it often happens--he came to delight in the work for his own sake, and, as he says, began using "history as a mirror and endeavoring in a manner to fashion and adorn [his] life in conformity with the virtues therein depicted."  With such an express moral purpose, Plutarch's writings make directly profitable and fascinating reading.  Each student in this class will meet and scrutinize the lives of ten influential Greeks and Romans, including among others: Alexander, Caesar and Cicero.  

Details

This course will begin on Monday, June 12th and run through July 10th.  We will convene once a week, at 9:30 a.m Pacific time, for one hour and thirty minutes (with a five-minute break).  This provides for five class meetings.  Readings and corresponding discussions are the main focus of this course, but brief writing assignments may be given (with consideration that this is a summer course).   

The course is designed for students of late Junior High and High School age and adults. 

Cost

The cost of this tutorial is $120 per student.  There is a $20 discount for the second student enrolled from the same family. 

Registration

To register, you may follow this link.

Checks are made payable to Matthew Turnbull and a non-refundable deposit of $20 to reserve your seat is required by June 5th, the remainder is due the first week of class. The class is limited to 15 participants. 

Software

We will be utilizing the Webex Conferencing software for ourtutorials.  Please see the New Student Page for details about configuring your computer. 

 As you have any questions about this tutorial or the tutorial service, please feel free to contact the tutor at  tutor.alexandria@gmail.com .