Required Texts:

• Morford and Lenardon, Classical Mythology, 6th edition.
• Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound
• Euripides, Medea and Other Plays.
• Note: You must bring the assigned 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 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 and the Roman poet Ovid. 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. Further, 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. In this class you will show your understanding of this role through a variety of assignments.

Class Participation and Quizzes:

Some days I shall lecture. Some days I shall ask you to participate in a discussion of the reading required for that day. Your own questions and comments will always be encouraged and welcomed. There may be unannounced reading quizzes. Class participation and quizzes will total 25% of your final grade. There will be two exams: a short-answer mid-term exam and a final exam. Each exam is worth 25% of your final grade. You will also have a group project on the continuation of Greek mythology in art and literature, also worth 25% of your final grade.

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.