No Lack Of Faculty Interest In Teaching Ancient History

To the editors:



Re: “Et Tu History,” editorial, Mar. 10.

As one of those who teach History 10a, “Western Societies, Politics, and Cultures: From Antiquity to 1650,” I was heartened to see the opinion piece published today. I agree with most of its statements. History 10a does, indeed, offer history concentrators a comprehensive and continuous discussion of the evolution of western societies until the time of the scientific revolution. Many of our students have never had this type of course; many enjoy it a great deal. I agree, too, that a way might be found for the concentrators who have no need of this course to be excused from taking it, although it is a course to which various professors bring their own views on history, a valuable experience in itself.

There is only one point on which I disagree, but it is a major one. I do not, myself, believe that there is a lack of professors willing to teach History 10a. I taught in it, with two colleagues, in 2004-05 with pleasure; I am on leave this year, but am looking forward to teaching it again in 2006-07, and in the foreseeable future. A number of my colleagues are also happy to teach the course. Lack of professorial interest cannot be advanced as an argument for scrapping this course that provides undergraduates with both the chronological breadth and the continuity necessary if one is to understand historical development.



ANGELIKI E. LAIOU

Cambridge, Mass.

March 10, 2006



The writer is Dumbarton Oaks Professor of Byzantine History.