This course is designed to allow students to become acquaintance with the main myths of the Greco-Roman tradition, and as such it is structured to be a survey of the legends, sagas, goddesses, gods, heroes and heroines that were familiar to the Greeks and the Romans. In fact, it is not possible to understand the Classical word without a good knowledge of Classical myths: they were part of religion, often used in literature, art, politics, and entertainment. Our major sources are written stories, but ancient artworks are also important as they are the physical representation of how these mythological events were pictured in the minds of old. Consequently, Greek vases and Roman frescoes will be used to contextualize some of the legends.

This course will also discuss how Classical mythology is alive in the modern culture: graphic novels, movies, books, and Las Vegas.

With a successful conclusion of this course, the students will be able to:

·         name the main characters of Classical mythology

·         describe the origins stories of the main gods and heroes

·         summarize the main Greek and Roman sagas

·         appraise the connections and differences between Greek and Roman myths

·         compare and contrast Greek and Roman gods

·         discuss the two-way relationship between myth and art (mainly visual art)

·         argue about the “mechanisms” at work in the creation of mythologies (ancient and modern)

Attendance will be taken at every class.

More than 6 absences regardless of the reason (that is missing more than 25% of the course) will have you fail the class.

No justification for any absence is allowed in this course: six absences are enough to cover any event.

Only extended medical emergencies are justified absences. No other reason count as a justified absence: finger-print appointments, sickness, trips, etc. are not justified.

Absences during the first week of the semester still count against the 6 absence as the student is missing parts of the course.