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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY
COURSE CODE: "CL 260-3"
COURSE NAME: "Classical Mythology"
SEMESTER & YEAR:
Spring 2025
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SYLLABUS
INSTRUCTOR:
Alice Poletto
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS:
TTH 3:00 PM 4:15 PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS:
45
CREDITS:
3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS:
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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.
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SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
This course is designed to allow students to become acquainted with the main myths of the Graeco-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 contextualise some of the legends.
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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)
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TEXTBOOK:
| Book Title | Author | Publisher | ISBN number | Library Call Number | Comments | Format | Local Bookstore | Online Purchase |
| Classical Mythology (11th edition) | Morford Mark and others | Oxford University Press | 9780190067243 | | | Ebook | | |
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REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
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GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
| Assignment | Guidelines | Weight |
| Quizzes (two) | 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. Format: multiple-choice questions. | 20 (10% each) |
| Midterm | The topics tested will be those of the first half of the semester. | 25 |
| Final exam | The topics tested will be those of the second half of the semester. | 30 |
| Participation | Participation to class discussion will be evaluated at every class. | 10 |
| Project | The project can take the shape of either a group presentation or a paper. Project proposals need to be emailed to the professor by the beginning of the 5th week: failure to do so will result in a zero for this whole portion of your final grade. Proposals need to describe both the subject and the format of the project (paper or presentation) with a list of group members). | 10 |
| Perusall assignments | Videos and podcasts to be watched before the beginning of each 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.
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:
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.
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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.
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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.
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SCHEDULE
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- Lecture 1: Course presentation: syllabus, bibliography, assignments, assessment. Overview of the topics that will be treated.
- Lecture 2: Classical Mythology: sources and evidence
- Lecture 3: Historical background of Greek Mythology
- Lecture 4: Myths of Creation: Chaos and the Birth of the Gods
- Lecture 5: The nature of gods in Greek religion
- Lecture 6: Zeus’ rise to power
- Lecture 7: Zeus and Hera
- Lecture 8: Athena and Poseidon
- Lecture 9: Apollo and Artemis
- Lecture 10: Ares and Aphrodite
- Lecture 11: Hermes and Demeter
- Lecture 12: Hephaestus and Hestia
- Lecture 13: The Underworld: Ares and Persephone
- Lecture 14: The world of Dionysus
- MIDTERM
- Lecture 16: Mythical Heroes: Heracles
- Lecture 17: Mythical Heroes: Theseus
- Lecture 18: Mythical Heroes: Perseus
- Lecture 19: The Theban saga
- Lecture 20: The Trojan saga
- Lecture 21: Female Heroines: Atalanta and Medea
- Lecture 22: Feminism in Mythology: Discussion on Gender Roles
- Lecture 23: The educational role of myth: Greek tragedy
- Lecture 24: Roman mythology between the Greek and the Etruscan world
- Lecture 25: Local heroes in Roman religion
- Lecture 26: Myth and propaganda: the Aeneid
- Lecture 27: The private sphere of Roman religion
- Lecture 28: Review session
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