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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CL 260-1"
COURSE NAME: "Classical Mythology"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2022
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Massimo Betello
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 6:00 PM 7:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS: TBA
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 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 & Roman vases, sculptures, mosaics, and 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.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

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)

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Classical Mythology (11th edition)Morford Mark and othersOxford University Press9780190067243 Purchase ONLY through Perusall (see link on Moodle)Ebook perusall.com
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberComments
Art and Myth in ancient GreeceCarpenterThames and Hudson0500202362N 7760.C27 
Images of myths in Classical AntiquityWoodfordCambridge University Press0521788099N 7760.W66 

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Reading and commentsAll the readings that are part of this assessment method must be accessed from Moodle through Perusall links. Perusall.com is the online platform where the readings are to be done, and no other ways are accepted for these assignments. Students are expected to comment on each reading using the Perusall platform.5
Tests (online)These short tests are intended to foster a regular study and allow the students to get ready for the major exams. Questions will test both factual knowledge (events, date, people etc.), and the comprehension of fundamental concepts. They will be administered online roughly every two weeks, not during class time.15
Midterm examThe topics tested will be those of the first half of the semester. It will be made up by two parts: • one testing the student’s factual knowledge (events, gods, heros, people etc) using identifications, multiple choices, true-false, etc.; • the other testing the student’s understanding and knowledge of the concepts explained in class using open questions, essays etc.30
Final examThe topics tested will be those of the second half of the semester only. The final exam is not cumulative. The format will follow that of the midterm exam. 30
Final paperIn the final paper the student is expected to provide an analysis of a mythological story. In its simplest form it can be a compare and contrast paper of two mythological (or mythologically inspired) topics (e.g. Perseus VS Percy Jackson, Neptune VS Poseidon, Apollo VS Dionysus). 15
Class ParticipationParticipation will be evaluated at every class.5

-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 course. A 94 - 100 A- 90 - 93.99
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. B+ 87 - 89.99 B 84 - 86.99 B- 80 – 83.99
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. C+ 77 – 79.99 C 74 - 76.99 C- 70 – 73.99
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. D+ 67 - 69.99 D 60 – 66.99
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. F 59.99 >
-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Attendance will be taken at every class.

More than 6 absences regardless of the reason (that is missing more than 20% 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.
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 and day

Topic

Assignments for the day

Class number

01 week

 

 

Introduction to the course

Syllabus, assignments, textbooks, expected commitment.

Overview of the topics that will be studied.

 

 

1

01 week

 

Historical background of Greek Mythology (part 1)

 

Morford chapter 2

See also Moodle for other assignments.

 

2

02 week

 

Historical background of Greek Mythology (part 2 )

 

Definition of Classical Mythology and its sources.

Morford chapter 2

 

 

 

Morford chapter 1

See also Moodle for other assignments.

 

3

02 week

 

Myths of creation

Morford chapter 3

Woodford; Note on Terminology; Part one “Introduction”

See also Moodle for other assignments.

 

4

03 week

 

Zeus’ rise to power

Morford chapter 4 – Titanomachy, Gigantomachy, Creation of Mortals.

See also Moodle for other assignments.

 

5

03 week

 

The Twelve Olympian gods

Morford chapter 5 – Zeus and Hera

See also Moodle for other assignments.

TEST 01

6

04 week

 

 

The Nature of the Gods in Greek Religions.

 

The gods and monsters of the sea

· SELECTION Morford chapter 6- Greek Religion (only from “The Nature of Greek Religion” to the end of the chapter).

· Morford chapter 7 – Poseidon and sea deities

 

Woodford Part 2 “Making myths Recognizable”

See also Moodle for other assignments.

 

7

04 week

 

Athena

Morford chapter 8 - Athena

See also Moodle for other assignments.

 

8

05 Week

 

Aphrodite

Morford chapter 9 – Aphrodite and Eros

See also Moodle for other assignments.

 

9

05 week

 

Artemis

Morford chapter 10 - Artemis

See also Moodle for other assignments.

TEST 02

 

10

06 week

 

Apollo

Morford chapter 11 - Apollo

See also Moodle for other assignments.

 

11

06 week

 

Hermes

Morford chapter 12 - Hermes

See also Moodle for other assignments.

 

12

07 week

 

MIDTERM

13

07 week

Dionysus and his merry companions

Morford chapter 13 - Dyonisus

See also Moodle for other assignments.

 

14

08 week

The Theban saga (1/2)

Morford chapter 17 – The Theban Saga

See also Moodle for other assignments

 

 

15

08 week

The Theban saga (2/2)

Morford chapter 17 – The Theban Saga

See also Moodle for other assignments.

 

By 11:59 PM of Sunday at the end of this week, you must have submitted the title and topic of your FINAL PAPER

16

09 week

 

The Mycenaean saga

Morford chapter 18 – The Mycenaean Sag

See also Moodle for other assignments.

 

 

17

09 week

 

The Iliad (1/2)

Morford chapter 19 – The Trojan Saga (part 01)

Carpenter CH 9 The Trojan war

Suggested: Hinds “The Iliad”

See also Moodle for other assignments.

TEST 03

18
   

 

10 week

 

The Iliad (2/2)

Morford chapter 19 – The Trojan Saga (Part 02)

Carpenter CH 9 The Trojan war

Suggested: Hinds “The Iliad”

See also Moodle for other assignments.

19

10 Week

 

The Odyssey

Morford chapter 20 – The Odyssey (part 01)

Carpenter CH 10 The aftermath of the War

Suggested: Hinds “The Odyssey”

See also Moodle for other assignments.

 

20

11 week

 

The Odyssey

Morford chapter 20 – The Odyssey (part 02)

Carpenter CH 10 The aftermath of the War

Suggested: Hinds “The Odyssey”

See also Moodle for other assignments.

 

21

11 week

 

Perseus

Morford chapter 21 - Perseus

See also Moodle for other assignments.

TEST 04

22

12 week

 

Heracles (part 1)

Morford chapter 22 – Heracles (part 01)

See also Moodle for other assignments.

 

23

12 week

 

Heracles (part 2)

Morford chapter 22 – Heracles (Part 02)

See also Moodle for other assignments.

 

24

13 Week

 

Theseus and the minotaur

Morford chapter 23 - Theseus

See also Moodle for other assignments.

 

Submit your paper by 11:59 PM of today

 

25

13 Week

 

Greek mythology in the Roman world

Morford chapter 25 – Greek mythology in the Roman world

See also Moodle for other assignments.

TEST 05

26

14 week

 

Roman mythology (part 1)

Morford chapter 26 – Roman Mythology and Saga (part 01)

See also Moodle for other assignments.

 

27

14 week

 

Roman mythology (part 2)

Morford chapter 26 – Roman Mythology and Saga (Part 02)

See also Moodle for other assignments.

 

28

 

FINAL EXAM (TBA)