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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CL 260-2"
COURSE NAME: "Classical Mythology"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2019
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 TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Classical Mythology Morford and Lenardon OXford University Press 9780190851644     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
3 in class quizzes (peer reviewed)the quiz is in the form of short answers30%
1 onsite project 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 class25%
final exam Short answers and a final cumulative essay30%
attendance and participation  15%

-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 2 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

 WEEK 1                                                                                                
 Mon Jan 21  
 Introductions                                             "Myths around Us" 
                            
 Wed Jan 23
 The historical background of myth         "Heinrich Schliemann”                       Ch 1&2
                              
WEEK 2 
Mon Jan 28
Myths of creation & generational upheaval; Zeus & mortals  “Non Classical traditions”          Ch 3-4 

Wed Jan 30
The Olympian gods & their nature "The Olympian Gods in Art"                    Ch 5-6
                                                                                                                            
WEEK 3
 Mon Feb 4
Poseidon, sea deities & monsters "Roman Fountains"                                Ch 7

 Wed Feb 6
Athena                                        "The Athenian Parthenon"                       Ch 8
 
WEEK 4             
 Mon Feb 11              Aphrodite              "The Origin of Love"                     Ch 9     
                 
Wed Feb 13
1st in class quiz and peer correction  

 Fri Feb 15 MAKE UP DAY for Easter Monday
Watch documentary
      
WEEK 5                
 Mon Feb 18
Artemis                                                                                                          Ch10                                             
 Wed Feb 20
Apollo and Aeskulapios     "Tiber Island"                                                     Ch 11
 
    
                                         
WEEK 6
 Mon Feb 25
 Hermes                                       “Liminality”                                                  Ch 12

Wed Feb 27
Dionysos                                          “The Bacchae”                                         Ch 13
 
WEEK 7 
Mon March 4      
Demeter                                            “Mystery religions”                             Ch 14

 Wed March 6
2nd in class quiz and correction


Fri March 8  The Underworld Ch 15-16  
MAKE UP DAY FOR MAY 1st 

WEEK 8
Mon Mar 11
SPRING BREAK 

Wed Mar 13
SPRING BREAK           
                             
WEEK 9
Mon Mar 18
The Theban Saga                                   Oedipus’ complex                             Ch. 17
 
Wed Mar 20
 The Mycenean Saga                               "Electra’s complex"                          Ch 18



WEEK 10
 Mon Mar 25
The Trojan Saga and the Iliad “Homer and the Homeric Question”            Ch 19 
            
 Wed Mar 27
The Returns and the Odyssey “Odysseus and his Fortune”                     Ch 20
 
WEEK 11
Mon Apr 1
 3rd in class quiz and peer correction

Wed Apr 3 
Herakles                                         Herakles'Disney movie                                   Ch 22  
 
WEEK 12
Mon Apr 8 Perseus                                     “Gorgo/Medusa”                                   Ch 21

Wed Apr 10  Theseus                                                                                                  Ch 23                  
 Museum report due

  
WEEK 13
Mon Apr 15  Jason and the Argonauts                                                                       Ch 24 
 
Wed Apr 17 Introduction of self reflection final essay

WEEK 14
Mon Apr 22 EASTER MONDAY NO CLASS
 
 Wed Apr 24
Roman mythology                                                     Ch 25   
                                                                                  
 WEEK 15 
Mon Apr 29
The Aeneid                                                                Ch 26 
                                                                 
Wed May 1st  LABOUR'S DAY NO CLASS