DESCRIPTION
Each week we will discuss a different aspect of Greco-Roman life, history and myth. The assigned reading for each week is to prepare for the following week's discussion. For example, Week 1's reading is to be completed by Week 2. Most weeks the assigned reading will be from the D'Aulaires' text, and I will include additional source material reading that is optional.
At the end of the course, each student will present a retelling of a myth of his or her choice. The method of retelling the myth is open and up to them, and can include such approaches as:
Comic Art piece Interpretive dance Dramatic retelling Poem Lego construction Minecraft storytelling
Over the last two sessions of class, each student will have 10-12 minutes to share their creation with the class, including why they chose that particular myth and how they see the story as still relevant in modern life.
Primary Texts:
D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths by Ingri d'Aulaire and Edgar Parin d'Aulaire Percy Jackson’s Greek Gods by Rick Riordan Percy Jackson’s Greek Heroes by Rick Riordan
Secondary Text:
Classical Myth by Barry Powell, Fourth Edition (used is fine)
Additional Texts:
The Iliad by Homer The Odyssey by Homer
Prerequisites: None
SYLLABUS
Week 1: Introduction; Myth as Metaphor Week 2: The Greek Origin Story: Gaia and the creation of the world; the war of Zeus and the Titans Week 3: The Greek Pantheon: Gods Week 4: The Greek Pantheon: Goddesses Week 5: The Greek Pantheon: Minor Gods Week 6: Heroes and Monsters: Orpheus, Perseus, Theseus Week 7: Heroes and Monsters: Heracles, Oedipus, Jason Week 8: Heroes and Clever Kings: Midas, Daedalus/Icarus, Sisyphus, Bellerophon Week 9: The Iliad: War and the Greeks Week 10: The Odyssey: Odysseus and his Adventures Week 11: Greek Women’s Stories: Clytemnestra, Cassandra, and Penelope Week 12: Roman Myth: The Aeneid Week 13: Roman Myth: Ovid's Metamorphose Week 14: Soul Becomes Immortal: Apuleius’ Cupid and Psyche Week 15: Class Presentations
