This course is aimed at providing a comprehensive overview of Classical mythology introducing the main gods, heroes and legends of the Graeco-Roman tradition. The study will take into consideration both ancient artworks and primary literary sources such as Homer, Hesiod, Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides.
In addition to analysing Classical myths within the frame of Classical antiquity itself, methodological approaches applied by various disciplines to the study of myth (history of religion, anthropology, gender studies, psychology etc.) will also be discussed. 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 in the most disparate fields (popular culture, entertainment industry, marketing, medical humanities etc.)