Professional Documents
Culture Documents
Course Description:
Classical myth has inspired, interested, and amused audiences for thousands of years. From the
ancient stage to the big screen, the heroes and heroines, monsters and gods of Greek and Roman myth
have been a constant presence. But where did it all begin? What was the world like that it came out of,
and for what purposes were these stories told? This course explores ancient Mediterranean myth from the
Iliad to the Aeneid, through poetry, prose, and plays. At the end of the course we will investigate the
reflection of Classical antiquity in the present and explore what it means to retell stories from long ago,
and what they do for us.
Course Goals and Objectives:
You will have the opportunity in this course to
Learn about the major narratives and major figures of Greek and Roman myth
Think about myths both as stories and as narratives which make claims and teach lessons
Improve your research, academic writing and communication skills through various course
assignments and class discussion
Apply the subject matter of this course, and the critical thinking skills you will learn throughout
the semester, to your broader academic interests
Other readings will be scanned and made available to you. These books may also be available more
cheaply on Amazon, and a copy of each has been reserved at the library. If you have a translation of one
of these already, it will probably work but let me know so I can approve it.
Weekly readings and assignments
Assigned readings are listed below the day they are to be read by. That is, for example, you are to come to
class on Tuesday, January 23rd, having read the Homeric Hymns, 1-28, 50-58 (Online)