CLAS*2000 - Classical Mythology

Course Description

An examination of the nature and function of myth in Classical Antiquity. The course shows how the narrative and symbolic structure of myths orders individual and communal experience. The myths that have influenced Western civilization receive special emphasis.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of the course, the learner should be able to

1. Connect specific myths to the cultures that produced them.
2. Identify the histories, and functions of the gods and heroes of classical myth.
3. Identify the literary and the visual iconography of major gods, heroes, and legends of classical myth.
4. Recognize the essentially oral nature of mythology.
5. Examine the ways in which morality deconstructs the idea of absolute interpretation or objective reading.
6. Identify theways in which collection, transcription, and scholarship constantly reinterpret an oral tradition for new generations.
7. Examine the ways in which variant versions of a story focus attention on the invariant elements.
8. Explore a variety of scholarly approaches to mythology in discussion and writing.
9. Develop an appreciation for the range and diversity of mythology and folklore.
10. Identify recurring mythological themes and motifs.
11. Recognize the role of myth in the arts.

Course Topics

• Introduction to Classical Greek Mythology
• Zeus and the Twelve Olympians
• Poseidon, Athena, Aphrodite, and Eros
• Artemis and Apollo
• Hermes and Dionysus
• Demeter and the Afterlife
• Orpheus and Thebes
• Homeric Epic Parts I & II
• Perseus and Heracles
• Theseus and Jason

Assessment

Note:

Additional Technical Requirements

This course will use the Respondus tool to invigilate one or more exams. In order to use Respondus LockDown Browser and Monitor, you must meet the following technical requirements:

1. Operating Systems: Windows 10, 8, 7; Mac OS X 10.10 or higher.
2. Memory: Windows 2 GB RAM; Mac 512 MB RAM.
3. For Mac users: Safari must function properly on the computer.
4. Mac users must have Adobe Flash Player installed to Safari, even if a different browser is normally used.
5. Functioning webcam and microphone. The webcam and microphone can be built into your computer or can be the type that plugs in with a USB cable. (You will be required to do an environment scan of your room, so please ensure you can move your computer, laptop or webcam for this scan.)
6. A broadband Internet connection. It is recommended that you access the Internet via a wired connection.