CLL 215.

60 Classical Mythology: From the Odyssey to Stargate

Stony Brook University Department of Cultural Analysis and Theory College of Arts and Sciences Course Instructor: Brent Smith-Casanueva Office Hours: by appointment Office: HUM 1059 (Main Campus) E-mail: bsmith888@gmail.com Please understand that this syllabus represents a contract between instructor and student. You are responsible for reading and making sure that you understand everything in this syllabus. If you have any questions or need any clarification, please speak with me immediately. Note: All dates and assignments on the schedule are subject to change. I will notify you, in writing, of any changes in advance. Course Description: An introduction to ancient Greek religion, literature, and art. Special emphasis will be given to the presentation of myth in Classical Greek literature as well as to the influence of classical mythology on later literature, art, and philosophy. Not for credit in addition to CLS 215. 3 credits. DEC 1. Course Objectives: The goal of this course is to introduce the stories of classical Greek mythology, to place them in comparison with Near Eastern mythology, and to explore the influence of these mythologies on contemporary cultural production. In class and in the readings, special attention will be given to the way in which classical mythology informs the mythology of contemporary Western culture, particularly as it is represented in the genres of science fiction and fantasy . Required Texts Powell, Barry B.. Classical Myth, 7th ed. ISBN: 978-0-205-17607-6 Pinch, Geraldine. Egyptian Mythology: A Very Short Introduction. ISBN: 978-0-19280346-7 Homer. The Odyssey. Trans. Robert Fitzgerald. ISBN: 978-0-374-52574-3 Sophocles. Three Theban Plays. ISBN: 978-0-140-44425-4 John Perlich and David Whitt, eds. Sith, Slayers, Stargates, + Cyborgs: Modern Mythology in the New Millenium. ISBN: 978-1-433-10095-6 Other readings available on Blackboard All required texts are available in the bookstore Recommended Texts Jan Johnson-Smith. American Science Fiction TV: Star Trek, Stargate, and Beyond. ISBN: 978-0-819-56738-3

Attendance and Make Up Policy: While not strictly required, regular attedance is highly recommended. Also, any plans to make up a quiz (for excused absences only) must be made BEFORE the quiz is scheduled to be given. Required Work and Grading Scale: Quizzes Quizzes will cover material presented in readings and lectures. They will consist of a mixture of multiple choice, fill in the blank, and short answer questions. Wiki Presentation In lieu of a final exam, you will develop an online wiki presentation on a particular classical or contemporary myth (or mythological character). This project will require the utilization of material from class readings and lectures as well as some outside research. Grade Distribution Wiki Presentation 40% Quizzes 60% (Average of highest 3 quiz grades) Grading Scale:

A AB+

93-100% 90-92.9% 87-89.9%

B BC+

84-86.9% 80-83.9% 77-79.9%

C CD+

74-76.9% 70-73.9% 67-69.9%

D DF

64-66.9% 60-63.9% <59.9%

Class Protocol As we are all adults, and you chose this course and time slot, I expect you to enter class with an attitude ready for learning and to show respect for your classmates and me. Any disruptive behavior will not be tolerated. Also, all electronic devices, including but not limited to ipods, laptops and cell phones must be turned off and put away during class. Failure to follow these policies will result in your removal from the classroom. Class Resources Library resources: http://library.stonybrook.edu Blackboard: http://blackboard.stonybrook.edu DISABILITY SUPPORT SERVICES (DSS) STATEMENT If you have a physical, psychological, medical or learning disability that may impact your course work, please contact Disability Support Services, ECC (Educational Communications Center) Building, room128, (631) 632-6748. They will determine with you what accommodations, if any, are necessary and appropriate. All information and documentation is confidential. Students who require assistance during emergency evacuation are encouraged to discuss their needs with their professors and Disability Support Services. For procedures and information go to the following website: http://www.stonybrook.edu/ehs/fire/disabilities ]

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY STATEMENT: Each student must pursue his or her academic goals honestly and be personally accountable for all submitted work. Representing another person's work as your own is always wrong. Faculty are required to report any suspected instances of academic dishonesty to the Academic Judiciary. Faculty in the Health Sciences Center (School of Health Technology & Management, Nursing, Social Welfare, Dental Medicine) and School of Medicine are required to follow their schoolspecific procedures. For more comprehensive information on academic integrity, including categories of academic dishonesty, please refer to the academic judiciary website at http://www.stonybrook.edu/uaa/academicjudiciary/ CRITICAL INCIDENT MANAGEMENT: Stony Brook University expects students to respect the rights, privileges, and property of other people. Faculty are required to report to the Office of Judicial Affairs any disruptive behavior that interrupts their ability to teach, compromises the safety of the learning environment, or inhibits students' ability to learn. Faculty in the HSC Schools and the School of Medicine are required to follow their school-specific procedures.

Course Schedule Week 1 05/29 Syllabus and course introduction 5/31 Classical Myth, pp. 1-18 & 684-710 Morford and Lenardon, Definition and Interpretation of Myth (BB) Week 2 6/03 Classical Myth, pp. 19-52 & 115-166 Quiz 1 6/05 The Odyssey, bks. 1-8 Week 3 6/10 The Odyssey, bks. 9-16 6/12 The Odyssey, bks. 17-24

Quiz 2 Week 4 6/17 Classical Myth, pp. 601-630 Modern Mythology, pp. 145-169 Branon, Its About Power: Buffy, Foucault, and the Quest for Self (BB) Screening: episode of Buffy the Vampire Slayer 6/19 Sophocles, Oedipus the King & Antigone Freud, Material and Sources of Dreams (excerpt) (BB) Storey, Freudian Psychoanalysis (BB) Quiz 3 Week 5 6/24 Classical Myth, pp. 167-186 Stam and Shohat, Formations of Colonialist Discourse (BB) Dussel, Europe, Modernity, and Eurocentrism (BB) Screening: episode of Star Trek 6/26 Egyptian Myth Modern Mythology, pp. 73-98 Screening: Stargate Week 6 7/1 Slotkin, Introduction: The Significance of the Frontier Myth in American History (BB) Modern Mythology, pp. 51-72 & 121-143 Screening: Episode of Firefly 7/3 Quiz 4 7/6 Wiki Presentation Due