What annoyed the Athenians most? And how many ways did Greek have to describe an unbearable person? How did such people manage to ruin Athenian σχολή?
This course continues our exploration of Theophrastus’s Characters—is one of the genuinely funniest works of ancient Greek literature. Basically, a book about people we would all like to avoid… At the same time, it presents real challenges to the reader: its apparent simplicity conceals a remarkable richness of vocabulary and a strikingly concise style.
Each week introduces one persona and the linguistic texture surrounding it: idioms, epithets, characteristic verbs, formulas of complaint, and turns of phrase that make these sketches so vivid. Short excerpts in easy Attic anchor our discussions, and if time allows, we bring the characters to life through spoken Attic exercises—recreating them with alarming accuracy.
Keep improving your Greek and your ability to be insufferable in style!
Type: Speaking and Reading | Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Language of instruction: Ancient Greek
Class size cap: 8 | Platform: Zoom
Dates: March 28, 2026 - May 23, 2026 (no class on April 4)
Meets (EST*): Saturdays, 11:00 AM | 8 sessions (1h each)
Materials: The instructor will provide any required materials.
Sessions will be recorded and made available to enrolled participants for review or in case they missed a session.
Zoom
Decent internet connection
Earphones
Microphone
Webcam (preferred but optional)
A quiet space for classes
*The course will observe US time and thus will change according to daylight saving time.
Major US federal holidays are observed. If a participant misses a session due to their observance of a religious holiday, they can arrange a separate session with the instructor.
Education should be accessible. Choose the tier that fits your situation — no proof required, no shame included.
Supported — USD 200 total ($25/hour)
for students, caretakers, or anyone stretched right now.
Standard — USD 280 total ($35/hour)
full-value rate; covers the cost of small-group instruction.
Sustainer — USD 350 total (Standard Tier total + 25%)
full-value rate & your contribution to our LAC scholarship fund. Thank you!
What annoyed the Athenians most? And how many ways did Greek have to describe an unbearable person? How did such people manage to ruin Athenian σχολή?
This course continues our exploration of Theophrastus’s Characters—is one of the genuinely funniest works of ancient Greek literature. Basically, a book about people we would all like to avoid… At the same time, it presents real challenges to the reader: its apparent simplicity conceals a remarkable richness of vocabulary and a strikingly concise style.
Each week introduces one persona and the linguistic texture surrounding it: idioms, epithets, characteristic verbs, formulas of complaint, and turns of phrase that make these sketches so vivid. Short excerpts in easy Attic anchor our discussions, and if time allows, we bring the characters to life through spoken Attic exercises—recreating them with alarming accuracy.
Keep improving your Greek and your ability to be insufferable in style!
Type: Speaking and Reading | Level: Intermediate to Advanced
Language of instruction: Ancient Greek
Class size cap: 8 | Platform: Zoom
Dates: March 28, 2026 - May 23, 2026 (no class on April 4)
Meets (EST*): Saturdays, 11:00 AM | 8 sessions (1h each)
Materials: The instructor will provide any required materials.
Sessions will be recorded and made available to enrolled participants for review or in case they missed a session.
Zoom
Decent internet connection
Earphones
Microphone
Webcam (preferred but optional)
A quiet space for classes
*The course will observe US time and thus will change according to daylight saving time.
Major US federal holidays are observed. If a participant misses a session due to their observance of a religious holiday, they can arrange a separate session with the instructor.
Education should be accessible. Choose the tier that fits your situation — no proof required, no shame included.
Supported — USD 200 total ($25/hour)
for students, caretakers, or anyone stretched right now.
Standard — USD 280 total ($35/hour)
full-value rate; covers the cost of small-group instruction.
Sustainer — USD 350 total (Standard Tier total + 25%)
full-value rate & your contribution to our LAC scholarship fund. Thank you!
NOTA BENE: Classes require a minimum number of participants to run although they may run with fewer participants, at the instructor’s discretion.
More than a week before the start of the course: 100% refund or credit
Less than a week before the first class up until the second class: credit
