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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CL 260-1"
COURSE NAME: "Classical Mythology"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall 2023
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Danica Pusic
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: TTH 1:30 PM 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 introduce you to mythology through an exploration of the major ancient Greek and Roman myths, with some reference to their evolution from earlier local and Mediterranean legends, deities, and religions. It will give you the basic knowledge needed to appreciate references to classical myths in later Western culture, including past and contemporary art, architecture, literature, and music.


LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1.  Knowledge  of  main characters of Classical mythology

2.  Knowledge of the origins and stories of the main gods and heroes

3.  Knowledge of critical Classical myths as these 're-presented' in Ancient Greek and Roman art

4. A critical understanding of the meanings and functions of Classical mythology

5.  Skills for critical analyses of written and visual sources

 

 

TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Classical MythologyMark P. O. Morford and Robert J. LenardonOUP9780195308051     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
ParticipationIn addition to attendance, active class participation is expected of all students. Participating effectively entails completing and taking notes before class so that during class you can effectively engage: prepared to ask and answer questions and to share any pertinent observations. Remember too that the more you engage, the more fun the class will be not only for you but also for everyone else (prof. included!). Although participation is only 10% of the course grade it could ensure an A rather than a B as your final grade. Participation will be evaluated in every class 20
TestsYour preparation during the semester will also be evaluated through 3 tests. The content of each test will vary from questions on basic information (main characters, plot, etc.) to critical analysis and interpretation. Each test is worth 10% of your final grade. Please be aware that if you miss a quiz for any reason - including illness - you cannot make it up.30
Midterm ExamThe exam is structured to assess your knowledge of the content of the most important myths and their significance in general terms and as they were adapted to particular historical circumstances in both text and image. They are based on lectures and required reading assignments. 25
Final ExamThe exam is structured to assess your knowledge of the content of the most important myths and their significance in general terms and as they were adapted to particular historical circumstances in both text and image. They are based on lectures and required reading assignments.25

-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.
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:

All classes  are mandatory. Roll be taken at the beginning of each class. Missing more than   classes usually results in poor performance, if not a failing grade.

 

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

Topic

Assignments for the day

Class

1

Introduction to the course.

Syllabus, assignments, textbooks, expected commitment. Overview of the topics that will be studied.

 

1

 

Historical background of Greek mythology (part 2). Definition of Classical Mythology and its sources. Myths of creation.

Morford chapters 2 and 3

2

2

The Myth of the Golden Age.

Morford chapter 4

3

 

The Twelve Olympian Gods (Part 1).

Morford chapter 5

 

4

 

The Twelve Olympian gods

(Part 2) Helios, Hades, the Muses, the Fates, Eros.

Morford chapter 15

5

3

The Heroes.

QUIZ1

6

 

The Lovers.

Morford chapter 16

7

4

Perseus, Theseus and the Minotaur.

Morford chapters 21 and 23

8

 

Heracles.The 12 labours.

Morford chapter22

9

5

Oedipus and the Theban Saga (part1).

Morford chapter 17

10

 

Oedipus and the Theban Saga (part2).

Morford chapter 17

11

6

Oedipus and the Theban Saga (part 3). The Iliad (part1).

Morford chapter 19

12

 

The Iliad (part2).

Morford chapter 19

13

7

MIDTERM EXAM

14

 

The Iliad (part3).
The Odyssey (part1).

Morford chapter 20

 

8

The Odyssey (part2).

Morford chapter 20

15

 

The Odyssey (part3).

 

Morford chapter 26

QUIZ 2

16

9

The Aeneid (part 1).

Morford chapter 26

17

 

The Aeneid (part 2).

Morford chapter 26

18

10

The Aeneid (part 3).

The Argonauts (part 1).

Morford chapter 24

19

 

The Argonauts (part 2).

Morford chapter 24

20

11

The Argonauts (part 3).

Morford chapter 24

21

 

The Mycenaean Saga (part 1). 

Morford chapter 18 -

QUIZ 3

22

12

The Mycenaean Saga (part 2).

Morford chapter 18 

23

 

The Mycenaean Saga (part 3).

Morford chapter 18 

24

13

Greek and Roman legends in Ovid's poetry (part 1).

Morford chapter 25

25

 

Greek and Roman legends in Ovid's poetry (part 2).

Morford chapter 25

26

14

Overview

 

27

 

 

FINAL EXAM

 

28