Course Syllabus

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CL 260-1"
COURSE NAME: "Classical Mythology"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2018

SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Benedetta Bessi
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 1:30-2:45 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course examines the principal myths of Classical Greece and Rome, with some reference to their evolution from earlier local and Mediterranean legends, deities and religions. The importance of these myths in the literature and art of the Western World will be discussed.

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:

This course will explore the stories of the gods and heroes of the Graeco-Roman tradition and will discuss them in light of various methodological approaches applied by various disciplines to the study of myth ( history of religion, anthropology, gender studies, psychology etc.). Considerable attention will be given also to the relevant role of Classical Mythology in shaping Western identity and to its persistance in today's world.

Please notice that a museum visit (location and time TBA) will be organized and it is to be considered integral and mandatory component of the course. The museum ticket (around 10 euros) is to be paid by the students.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, the students will acquire full familiarity with the "who is who" of Classical mythology and with the plots of the most popular myths and sagas. Through the application of various methodological approaches to the study of the myths, they will also acquire a deeper understanding of many relevant theories of modern scholarship. Analytical and critical skills will be improved through class discussions and on site projects.

TEXTBOOK:

Book Title	Author	Publisher	ISBN number	Library Call Number	Comments	Format	Local Bookstore	Online Purchase
Classical Mythology	M.P.O. Morford-J. Lenardon	Oxford University Press	978-0199997329

REQUIRED RESERVED READING:

NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:

NONE

GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:

Assignment	Guidelines	Weight
3 in class quizzes (peer reviewed)	the quiz is in the form of short answers	30%
2 onsite projects	For each project the students are invited to explore the rich visual heritage of ancient and modern Rome and to relate it to the myths learned in class	30%
final exam	Short answers and a final cumulative essay	30%
attendance and participation		10%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:
AWork of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the cours
BThis is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised.There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluatetheory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture andreference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments.
CThis is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings.
DThis level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material.Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included.In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail.
FThis work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.

-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
Attendance is mandatory and it will be taken at the beginning of each session. More than 4 unexcused absences will result in the lowering of the grade (A to A-; A-to B+ etc.)

ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.

STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

Course Outline

                               Theme                                                        Activity                                                Assignment

WEEK 1

Mon Jan 15

Introductions                                             "Myths around Us"

Wed Jan 17

The historical background of myth        "Heinrich Schliemann”                       Ch 1&2



WEEK 2

Mon Jan 22

Myths of creation & generational upheaval; Zeus & mortals “Non Classical traditions”          Ch 3&4

Wed Jan 24

The Olympian gods & their nature "The Olympian Gods in Art"                    Ch 5&6



WEEK 3

Mon Jan 29

Poseidon, sea deities & monsters "Roman Fountains"                               Ch 7

Wed Jan 31

Athena                                        "The Athenian Parthenon"                     Ch 8

WEEK 4

Mon Feb 5

Aphrodite              "The Origin of Love"                     Ch 9

Wed Feb 7

In class quiz and peer correction

WEEK 5

Mon Feb 12

Artemis                                                                                                          Ch10

Wed Feb 14

Apollo and Aeskulapios     "Tiber Island"                                                 Ch 11

1^st museum report due

Fri Feb 16

Make up day for Apr 25 Watch DVD

WEEK 6

Mon Feb 19

Hermes                                       “Liminality”                                                  Ch 12

Wed Feb 21

Dionysos                                         “The Bacchae”                                         Ch 13

WEEK 7

Mon Feb 26

Demeter                                            “Mystery religions”                             Ch 14

Wed Feb 28

The Underworld                             “Orpheus and Eurydice”               Ch 15-16

WEEK 8

Mon Mar 5

In class quiz and peer correction

Wed Mar 7

The Theban Sagan                              “Oedipus’complex “                           Ch 17



WEEK 9

Mon Mar 12

The Mycenean Saga                               "Electra’s complex"                          Ch 18

Wed Mar 14

The Trojan Saga and the Iliad “Homer and the Homeric Question”            Ch 19

WEEK 10

Mon Mar 19

The Returns and the Odyssey   “Odysseus and his Fortune”                     Ch 20

Wed Mar 21

Herakles                                         Herakles'Disney movie                                   Ch 22

WEEK 11

Mon Mar 26

In class quiz and peer correction

Wed Mar 28

Perseus[U1]                                          “Gorgo/Medusa”                                   Ch 21

WEEK 12

Mon Apr 2

SPRING BREAK

Wed Apr 4

SPRING BREAK



WEEK 13

Mon Apr 9

Theseus                                                                                             Ch 23

2nd Museum report

Wed Apr 11

Jason and the Argonauts Ch 24

WEEK 14

Mon Apr 16

Roman mythology Ch 25

Wed Apr 19

The Aeneid Ch 26



WEEK 15

Mon Apr 24

Wrap up session and final review

[U1]