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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CL 260-2"
COURSE NAME: "Classical Mythology"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2020
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 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.) 

 
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, the students will be able:
- to list the main characters of Classical mythology and tell the most popular myths and sagas.
- to identify the main characters of Classical mythology in artwork through iconography and the presence of specific attributes.
- to discuss the most relevant works of both Greek and Latin literature with mythological content.
- to address methodological issues in the study and interpretation of Classical mythology.

Other skills acquired include:

-analytical and critical skills
-academic writing skills
-oral skills

 
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Classical MythologyMorford-Lenardon OUP 0199997322     
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 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

 WEEK 1                                                                                                   

Jan 20 Introductions                                             "Myths around Us"

Jan 22 The historical background of myth         "Heinrich Schliemann”                       Ch 1&2

 WEEK 2

 Jan 27 Myths of creation & generational upheaval; Zeus & mortals  “Non Classical traditions”          Ch 3-4

Jan 29 The Olympian gods & their nature "The Olympian Gods in Art"                    Ch 5-                                                                                                                         

WEEK 3

Feb 3 Poseidon, sea deities & monsters "Roman Fountains"                                Ch 7

Feb 5 Athena                                        "The Athenian Parthenon"                       Ch 8

WEEK 4            

Feb 10 Aphrodite              "The Origin of Love"                                                 Ch 9    

 Feb 12 1st in class quiz and peer correction 

Feb 14 Make up Friday (Easter Monday)

 WEEK 5               

Feb 17 Artemis                                                                                                          Ch10                                             

 Feb 19 Apollo and Aeskulapios     "Tiber Island"                                                 Ch 11                                        

WEEK 6

Feb  24 Hermes                                       “Liminality”                                                  Ch 12

Feb 26 Dionysos                                          “The Bacchae”                                         Ch 13

WEEK 7

Mar   2 Demeter                                            “Mystery religions”                             Ch 14

Mar 4  2nd in class quiz and correction

WEEK 8
Mar 9  Spring Break
Mar11 Spring Break

WEEK 9
Mar 16 The Theban Saga                                   Oedipus’ complex                             Ch 17

Mar 18 The Mycenean Saga                               "Electra’s complex"                          Ch 18

 

WEEK 10 

Mar 23 The Trojan Saga and the Iliad “Homer and the Homeric Question”            Ch 19

 Mar 25 The Returns and the Odyssey “Odysseus and his Fortune”                     Ch 20

WEEK 11

 Mar 30 3rd in class quiz and peer correction

 Apr 1 Herakles                                         Herakles'Disney movie                                   Ch 22 

 WEEK 12

Apr 6 Perseus “Gorgo/Medusa”                                   Ch 21

Apr 8   Theseus                                                                                                  Ch 23                 

 Museum report due

WEEK 13

Apr 13 Easter Monday no class

Apr 15 Roman mythology                                                     Ch 26  

 WEEK 14

 Apr 20 The Aeneid                                                                Ch 26

Apr 22 Ovid                                                                            Ch 25

WEEK 15

Apr 27 The survival of Classical Mythology                  Mythology in Art

Apr 29 Conclusions and review for final exam