Summer 2005 -- LF310 Greek Mythology

Hypnos, Thanatos, Hermes, Sarpedon.
Attic Red-figure Calyx-Krater, by Euphronios, 515 BCE.
New York City, Metropolitan Museum of Art

Required Texts:

• Apollodorus, Library of Greek Myth, trans. Robin Hard (Oxford Univ. Press, 1999).
• Homer, Essential Homer, trans. Stanley Lombardo (Hackett Publishing, 2000).
• Homeric Hymns, trans. Diane Rayor (Univ. of Califronia Press, 2004).
• Hesiod, Works and Days and Theogony, trans. Stanley Lombardo (Hackett Publishing, 1993).
• T. H. Carpenter, Art and Myth in Ancient Greece (Thames & Hudson 1991).
• Note: You must bring the appropriate text to each class

Description:

For the ancient Greeks, mythmaking was of the highest human and social importance. The actions retold in their myths delineate the origins of men, beasts, natural phenomena, and customs. In those myths based even tangentially on historical fact, we learn the legends of heroes and the genealogies of kings. This course will explore the beginnings of Greek culture through its myths, recorded primarily in Homer, Hesiod, the Greek dramatists of the 5th century BCE, and by later writers of the classical period, such as Apollonius of Rhodes, the Roman poet Ovid, and mythographers such as Apollodorous. As important as this rich textual record is the physical evidence of ancient Greek society. Since the late nineteenth century, archaeological excavations of sites associated with the ancient myths have steadily increased our understanding of the meaning and significance of the myths, as well as their relationship to ancient Greek religion and ritual. Finally, visual representations of the figures from myth and legend, found in vase paintings and sculptures, are essential to our full comprehension of the role of myth in the lived lives of the ancient Greeks.

Objectives:

Students in this course will:

• Learn the basic categories and details of written Greek myths
• Learn the ancient artistic and monumental representations of Greek myths
• Understand the cultural and political context of Greek myths for the Greeks
• Know basic chronology and geography
• Become familiar with primary texts and secondary commentaries

Class Format:

Class activities will be varied. There will be readings for each class from the texts, often with a short writing assigment to bring in for discussion. In almost every class we shall go over historical background, especially the artwork, for which you will be responsible. At different points in the semester you will make one oral presentation on a play or other primary source. You will also write two 4-5 page papers, one on the Sagas and one on Art and Myth. There will be a Midterm and a Final Exam. As you can see, class participation, which is based on preparation, is heavily weighted. Your own questions and comments will always be encouraged and welcomed.

Grade Summary:

Attendance Policy:

More than 3 absences will seriously affect your final grade. The Dean's office does not grant excused absences. If you have trouble making a class or an assignment, see me. You are responsible for all makeup work. Failure to produce any of the assigned requirements will result in a zero for the course.

Class web site and assignments:

All assignments will be posted on the web. I will not pass out assignments in class. You are expected to refer to our web page daily, as I shall be updating it constantly. The assignment is due on the date it is posted.

Plagiarism Policy:

Any act of plagiarism will result in a zero for the assignment, a zero for the semester class participation grade, and notification to your advisor and to the academic integrity board for recommended action.