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Classical Dialogues

Office and Rule in Constitutional Change

  • Office and Rule in Constitutional Change
    Melissa Lane Princeton University
    March 2, 2018 - March 2, 2018
    11:00am - 1:00pm -

    Columbia University
Office and Rule in Constitutional Change
Melissa Lane
Princeton University

As part of its Classical Dialogues series, the Classical Studies Graduate Program CLST at Columbia University is pleased to welcome Melissa Lane from Princeton University. On March 2, 2018, 11am-1pm, Melissa Lane will discuss Lecture V of her Carlyle Lectures 2018 on Constitutions before Constitutionalism: Classical Greek Ideas of Office and Rule. Commentators Giulia Bonasio (Columbia University) and Zachary Herz (Columbia University). Location: Schermerhorn Hall 934, Columbia University. Please see below Professor Lane's abstract for Lecture V.

The four imperfect constitutions of Republic VIII are the topic of this lecture, in which the role of officeholders or magistrates is argued to be central to the ways in which these imperfect constitutions come about, operate, and change into one another. Studying these episodes of change reveals aspects of the normative dimension of political office both within their flawed operation and in contrast with it. 

In its Classical Dialogues series, the interdepartmental Classical Studies Graduate Program CLST at Columbia University invites authors of recent work in ancient studies that is exemplary for the kind of study that CLST aims to foster. All faculty and students at  Columbia and beyond are cordially invited. CLST students are required to read carefully at least one chapter or article in advance and prepare questions and comments for discussion.