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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CL 260-1"
COURSE NAME: "Classical Mythology"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2026
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Sharon Marie Salvadori
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: TTH 3:00 PM 4:15 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 an upper level survey of the written and visual traditions of Classical mythology during the Greco-Roman period (c. 8th cent B.C.- 4th cent A.D.), the first, the most important, and the most brilliant phase of its long history. Classical mythology was a storehouse of fantastic stories that shaped ancient perceptions of the divine, that explained the origins and workings of natural phenomena, that elucidated the meanings of past and present human experiences, desires, expectations, anxieties and fears. Throughout Antiquity Classical myths were at the center of religious cult and ritual, exploited in political and military propaganda, part of the core curriculum in school and a fixture in any form of public or private entertainment, celebration or commemoration. They were heard and seen in sanctuaries, theaters, sport venues, public squares, markets, shops, banqueting halls, palaces, villas, town houses and cemeteries. They were recited, acted, sung and danced, modeled in clay, carved in wood, bone, marble and limestone, worked in bronze, silver and gold, painted on walls and on vases of every shape and form. They were, simply put, ubiquitous.

     By the time of Homer (mid-8th century BC), the main lines of many of the narratives that make up what we now call Classical mythology were familiar to many Greeks. Yet from the 8th century BC to the 4th century AD, new myths were not only added to the canon, but the pre-existing stories and characters were re-adapted, re-presented and even re-invented to meet the specific and always evolving religious, political and social realities of the Greeks, Romans and the other civilizations that inhabited the Ancient Mediterranean. This kind of flexibility and versatility across space and time is a key feature of Classical mythology and is its greatest strength. The ability to explain, teach, criticize, inspire and console in almost any circumstance in Antiquity also provides a critical insight into classical mythology’s enduring power and popularity from the Middle Ages to this day. With the help of modern scholarship, Greek and Latin texts in translation, and investigations in Greek and Roman art, we will explore this extraordinarily rich and varied tradition.

The primary aim of the course is to provide an in-depth familiarity of the content and context of Classical mythology in Antiquity. To achieve this goal, the focus of the course is two-fold:

1. To learn about the most important Greco-Roman divinities, heroes and heroines and the content of the myths in which they were protagonists.

2. To learn how and under what specific circumstances in Antiquity some of the most popular Classical myths were not only told and depicted, but re-told and re-presented in new version
LEARNING OUTCOMES:

1. Knowledge of the form and purpose of myth in general and of Classical mythology specifically

2. Knowledge of important Classical myths as these are re-told by ancient Greek and Latin authors

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

4. A critical understanding of the meanings and functions of Classical mythology in the written and visual traditions of Ancient Greece and Rome 

5. Skills for critical analyses of written and visual sources
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
The Complete World of Greek MythologyBuxton, RichardThames and Hudsonxxxxxx  Hard Copy  
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 on all "Required Reading" before class so that during class you can effectively engage: prepared to ask and answer questions and to share any pertinent observations. Because this is a course in which active engagement is particularly important (it is impossible, e.g. to discuss a play if we can’t discuss as a class...), you can expect to be encouraged to participate by professor on a random basis (= you may be called out in class to share questions and observations)- and this will be part of grade. Because participation is 10% of the course grade it is a significant part of your evaluation: it could, e.g., ensure an A rather than a B+ as your final course grade. 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!).10
ExamsBoth exams are 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. Each exam is worth 20% of course grade. A review sheet will be provided the week before each exam; a review session will take place during the last scheduled class before each exam. The mid-term exam takes place during regular class time on class 14; it will cover material studied up to Class 13. It consists in 3 short answer questions (10 minutes for each question; 60% of the exam grade- or 20% for each question) and 1 short essay (30 minutes; 40% of the exam grade; you will be given a choice of 2). The final exam takes place during exam week (exact date and time TBA) and lasts 2 hours and 30 minutes. It is cumulative and consists in 6 short answer questions (10 minutes for each question; 60% of the exam grade- or 10% for each question) and 2 short essays (30 minutes each; 40% of the exam grade -or 20% each; you will be given a choice of 3). 40
Quizzes 50%
QuizzesYour preparation during the semester will be in great part evaluated through 11 quizzes on assigned readings of Ancient authors and Ancient images. The quiz with the lowest score will be excluded from the final tally. Each of the remaining 10 quizzes are therefore worth 5% of your final grade. Please be aware that if you miss a quiz for any reason- including justified absences such as illness- you will not be able to make it up. The content of each quiz will vary from questions on basic information (main characters, plot, etc.) to critical analysis and interpretation. Quizzes will always be administered at the beginning of class (=do not be late!). Typically, each quiz is timed for no more than 15 minutes. Additional guidelines on timing for individual questions will be given on a quiz-by-quiz basis.50

-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:
Course Attendance All scheduled classes are mandatory. Roll will be taken at the beginning of each class (i.e. you must also be on time!) Lectures do more than simply complement required reading assignments so being absent inevitably results in extra work to catch up. Typically, missing 4 or more classes results in poor performance, if not a failing grade. Official JCU examination policy (below) also applies.

JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY OFFICIAL ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS AND EXAMINATION POLICY
You cannot make-up a major exam (midterm or final) without the permission of the Dean’s Office. The Dean’s Office will grant such permission only when the absence was caused by a serious impediment, such as a documented illness, hospitalization or death in the immediate family (in which you must attend the funeral) or other situations of similar gravity. Absences due to other meaningful conflicts, such as job interviews, family celebrations, travel difficulties, student misunderstandings or personal convenience, will not be excused. Students who will be absent from a major exam must notify the Dean’s Office prior to that exam. Absences from class due to the observance of a religious holiday will normally be excused. Individual students who will have to miss class to observe a religious holiday should notify the instructor by the end of the Add/Drop period to make prior arrangements for making up any work that will be missed.
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

CLASS SCHEDULE

1. Tues.Jan 20

 

 

 

 

 

 

Introduction to course

 

Øcontent, thematic and methodological overview

Ølearning aims

Øintroduction to syllabus, course schedule, course texts, assignments

ØClassical Mythology in Greco-Roman Antiquity: text and image (intro)

Ødefinitions of myth and Classical mythology

2. Thurs. Jan 22

 

Required Reading:

 

Suggested reading:

 

Classical Mythology in Greco-Roman Antiquity, cont.:

Greek mythology historical and geographic overview

•Buxton: "Introduction" and Ch. 1 (Context, Sources Meanings) and 216-225 ("How Rome Re-imagined Greece")

 

Buxton: Ch. 7 (Greek Myths After the Greeks);Buxton (2009), Ch. 3 (Visual Arts and Myths);Carpenter: Ch. 1 (Introduction) and Ch. 2 (A Demonstration of Method);Morford and Lenardon:Ch. 1 and Ch. 2; Junker:Ch. 1 (reading images of classical mythology- a case study)

3. Tues.Jan 27

Required Reading:

 

 

Suggested reading:

Myths of Origins and Creation:cosmogony and theogony (via Hesiod)

•Buxton: 31-35 (background Epic, Homer & Hesiod), 42-48 (myths of origin)

•Morford and Lenardon:Ch. 3, pp. 51-65

•Study Images: A. Cosmogony and Theogony

Buxton:180-193 (landscape of myths); Carpenter, Ch. 4 (Ascendancy of the Olympians)

 

4. Thurs. Jan 29

 

Required Reading:

 

 

 

Suggested reading:

Myths of Origins and Creation:cosmogony and theogony, cont./

battles for Olympian supremacy

•Buxton: 48-49 (Zeus), 53 (Giants)

•Morford and Lenardon:Ch. 3, p. 66-68 (focus on Ancient images of Giants and Typhon) and Ch. 4, 76-80 (Titans, Typhon, Giants)

•Study Images: B. Battles for Olympian Supremacy

 

Carpenter, Ch. 4 (Ascendancy of the Olympians)

5.Tues. Feb 3

Required Reading:

Suggested reading:

Olympian supremacy

•Buxton: 66-87 (Olympians and other divinities)

Carpenter Ch. 3 (Portraits of the Gods"); Morford and Lenardon:Ch. 5 ("The Twelve Olympians: Zeus, Hera and their Children") and Ch. 6 ("The Nature of the Gods")

*Quiz 1Ancient Greek Images of Gods vs Giants: Study Images B

6. Thurs. Feb 5

Required Reading:

 

 

 

 

 

 

Suggested reading:

Immortals and mortals

•Buxton: 54-61 (Ages of Mankind, Prometheus and Pandora, the Flood, Cadmus and Thebes), 223-224 (background to Ovid and Metamorphoses)

•Morford and Lenardon: 81-84 (Ages of Mankind)and80-88 (Prometheus & Pandora)

•Ovid,Metamorphoses: BK I:Prefatory verses,The Creation, The Ages of Mankind, The Flood,Deucalion and PyrraandBK III:Cadmusand BK IV: The transformation of Cadmus

•Study Images: C. Prometheus and Pandora

 

 Carpenter: 75-76 (Prometheus and Pandora);Morford and Lenardon, 93-97 (Flood) and 375-79 (founding of Thebes/Cadmus)

7. Tues. Feb 10

Required Reading:

 

 

 

Immortals and mortals

•Buxton: 54-58 (Prometheus and Pandora) and 36-38 (background to Greek theater)

•Aeschylus,Prometheus Bound

*Quiz 2:Aeschylus’Prometheus Bound

To successfully complete you must (obviously!) read the tragedy

8. Thurs. Feb 12

Required Reading:

 

 

 

 

Suggested reading:

Zeus:tyrant, mediator,lover, rapist, procreator

•Buxton: 94 ("Divine Sexualities" intro), 97-100 (loves of Zeus) and 174-177 ("Same Sex Eroticism": focus on Zeus)

•Ovid,Metamorphoses: Bk I: Io,Bk II:CallistoandJupiter and Europa

•Morford and Lenardon: 115-117 (section on Ganymede)

•Study Images: D. Zeus

 

Carpenter, Ch. 3 and Ch. 4 (focus on images featuring Zeus);Morford and Lenardon, 110-117 (Zeus)

9. Tues. Feb 17

Required Reading:

 

 

 

 

Suggested reading:

Demeter, Persephone and Hades

•Buxton72-73 ("Demeter")

•Homeric HymnII:ToDemeter

•Ovid,Metamorphoses:Bk V:Rape of Proserpine

•Study Images: E. Rape of Persephone

•Zanker and Ewald:84-88 (Rape of Persephone on Sarcophagi)

Buxton206-213 ("The Underworld");Carpenter Ch. 3 and Ch. 4 (focus on images featuring Demeter, Persephone and Hades);Morford and Lenardon, Ch. 14 ("Demeter and the Eleusinian Mysteries") and Ch. 15 ("Views of the Afterlife: the realm of Hades"); Koortbojian Chs. 1- 2 (Mythological Sarcophagi);Zanker and Ewald, Ch. 1 (Intro Roman sarcophagi and myth) and 212-229 (gender roles on Roman sarcophagi)

*Quiz 3: Persephone:theHomeric Hymn to Demetervs Ovid'sRape of Persephone-obviously you must read both texts to pass quiz

extra hint:focus on differences in the two versions (characters, plot)

10.Thurs. Feb 19

Required Reading:

 

 

 

 

 

Suggested reading:

Aphrodite

•Buxton:78 ("Aphrodite") and 94-96 ("Divine sexuality": focus on goddesses);

•Homeric HymnV:ToAphrodite

•Ovid,Metamorphoses:Bk X:Venusand AdonisandAtalanta

•Zanker and Ewald:207-229 (Venus and Adonis and gender roles on Roman sarcophagi), and 298-306 (cat. entry Adonis)

•Study Images: F. Venus and Adonis

 

Ovid,Metamorphoses:Bk X: Myrrha; Carpenter Ch. 3 and Ch. 4 (focus on images featuring Aphrodite), Koortbojian (1995),Chs. 1-2 (Mythological Sarcophagi) and Ch. 3 Venus and Adonis on Roman Sarcophagi;Morford and Lenardon, Ch. 9 ("Aphrodite and Eros"); Zanker and Ewald, Ch. 1 (Intro. Roman sarcophagi and myth)

*Quiz 4: Sarcophagi with the Rape of Persephone

Study ImagesE. Rape of Persephone;Zanker and Ewald, 84-88

11. Tues. Feb 24

Required Reading:

 

 

 

 

 

Suggested reading:

 

Artemis:forests, nymphs and hunters, maidens and youths

•Buxton:106-107 ("Meleager, Atlanta and the Kalydonian Boar" and cross-references on pp. 86 and 75-77

•Ovid,Metamorphoses:Bk II:Callisto;Bk III:Diana and Acteon

•Study Images: G. Artemis, Meleager and Atalanta

•Zanker and Ewald:Ch. 2, esp. 62-70 (“Heroic Death”) and 359-369 (cat. entry Meleager)

 

 Ovid,Metamorphoses,Bk VIII:Meleager and the Calydonian BoarandAlthea and Meleager;Carpenter Ch. 3 and Ch. 4 (focus on images featuring Artemis);Koortbojian Ch. 1 and 2 (Mythological Sarcophagi);Morford and Lenardon: 608-612 ("Meleager") and Ch. 10 (“Artemis”); Zanker and Ewald, Ch. 1 (Intro. Roman sarcophagi and myth), 212-229 (gender roles on Roman sarcophagi)

12. Thurs. Feb 26

Required Reading:

 

 

 

 

Suggested reading:

Aphrodite, Artemis, Phaedra and Hippolytos

•Buxton88 ("Hippolytos") and cross-references on pp. 72 and 129

•Euripides,Hippolytos

•Study images: H. Hippolytos and Phaedra

•Zanker and Ewald:Ch. 2, esp. 76-78 (“Marriage and Death”), and 344-350 (cat. entry Hippolytos)

 

Zanker and Ewald, Ch. 1 (Intro. Roman sarcophagi and myth), 212-229 (gender roles on Roman sarcophagi)

*Quiz 5:Euripides’ Hippolytos

To successfully complete you must (obviously!) read the tragedy

13. Tues. March 3

 

Required Reading:

 

 

Suggested reading:

Myths of hunt and love on Roman sarcophagi

Loose ends / Mid-term exam review

Zanker and Ewald: pp. 298-306 (cat. entry Adonis), pp. 344-350 (cat. entry Hippolytos), 359-369 (cat. entry Meleager)

•Study images: F. Venus and Adonis, G. Artemis, Meleager and Atalanta, and H. Hippolytos and Phaedra

Zanker and Ewald, Ch. 1 (Intro. Roman sarcophagi and myth), pp. 212-229 (gender roles on Roman sarcophagi); Koortbojian Ch. 1 and 2 (Mythological Sarcophagi) andCh. 3 (Venus and Adonis on Roman sarcophagi)

*Quiz 6: Roman Venus and Adonis Sarcophagi

Study Images F; Zanker and Ewald: 207-229 (Venus and Adonis and gender roles on Roman sarcophagi), and 298-306 (cat. entry Adonis)

14. Thurs. March 5

MID-TERM EXAM

March 6-13

SPRING BREAK

15. Tues. March 17

Required Reading:

 

 

 

Suggested reading:

 

Dionysos

•Buxton: 53 ("Dionysos") and 81-82 ("Dionysos and His Followers")

•Ovid,Metamorphoses: BK III: Semele and the Birth of Bacchus

•Zanker and Ewald130-158 (“Dionysos and his thaisos”), and 318-334 (cat. entry Dionysos)

•Study Images: J. Dionysos, Satyrs & Nymphs

Carpenter Ch. 3 and Ch. 4 (focus on images featuring Dionysos);Morford and Lenardon, Ch. 13 ("Dionysus, Pan, Echo and Narcissus); Zanker and Ewald, Ch. 1 (Intro. Roman sarcophagi and myth)

 

16. Thurs. March 19

Required Reading:

Dionysos,cont.

•Euripides,Bacchae

*Quiz 7:Euripides’ Bacchae

To successfully complete you must (obviously!) read the tragedy

17. Tues. March 24

Required Reading:

 

 

 

Suggested reading:

 

Athena / Perseus

•Buxton: 79 ("Athene") and 102-105 ("Extraordinary Mortals" and "Perseus")

•Ovid,Metamorphoses: BK IV:Perseus and Andromeda;Bk VI:Arachne

•Study images: K. Athena and L. Perseus and Gorgon

•Carpenter:Ch.5, section on Perseus

Carpenter: Chs. 3 and 4 (focus on images featuring Athena);Morford and Lenardon, Ch. 8 (Athena) and Ch. 21 ("Perseus and the Legends of Argos")

18. Thurs. March 26

Required Reading:

 

 

Suggested reading:

Herakles

•Buxton114-122 (Herakles)

•Study images: M. Herakles and Centaurs

•Carpenter:Ch. 6 (Herakles)

Ovid,Metamorphoses: BK IX:Acheolus and Hercules, Hercules, Nessus and Deianara, The Death and Apotheosis of Hercules, The Birth of Hercules;Morford and Lenardon, Ch. 22 ("Herakles"); Zanker and Ewald, Ch. 1 (Intro. Roman sarcophagi and myth) and 212-229 (gender roles on Roman sarcophagi)

*Quiz 8:Images of Gorgons in Ancient Art

Study ImagesK:Perseus & Gorgons; Carpenter, Ch.5 sections on Perseus

19. Tues. March 31

Required Reading:

 

 

Suggested reading:

Herakles, Nessos and Deianeira

•Sophocles,Women of Trachis(akaTrachiniae)

•Study images: M. Herakles and Centaurs

•Carpenter:Ch. 6 (Herakles)

see previous class

*Quiz 9:Sophocles’Women of Trachis

To successfully complete you must (obviously!) read the tragedy

20. Thurs. April 2

Required Reading:

 

 

Suggested reading:

Herakles,cont./ Theseus

•Buxton: 124-129 (Theseus) and 194-199 (Crete)

•Study Images:N. Theseus and Amazons

•Carpenter:Ch. 7 (Theseus)

Ovid,Metamorphoses:BK VII:Theseus;Book VIII:Scylla and Minos, the Minotaur, Deadalus and Icarus; Carpenter,Ch. 7 (Theseus);Morford and Lenardon, Ch. 23 ("Theseus"); Zanker and Ewald, Ch. 1 (Intro. Roman sarcophagi and myth), 212-229 (gender roles on Roman sarcophagi), and 404-408 (cat. entry Theseus)

21. Tues. April 7

Required Reading:

 

 

Suggested reading:

Theseus, cont./ Jason and the Argonauts and Medea

•Buxton: 108-113 ("Jason, the Argonauts and Medea”)

•Study Images: O. Medea

•Carpenter:Ch. 8, section on Argonauts

Ovid, Metamorphoses:Bk. VII:Medea and Jason,Medea and Aeson,Medea and Pelias: Her Flight;Morford and Lenardon, Ch. 24 ("Jason, Medea and the Argonauts")

22. Thurs. April 9

Required Reading:

 

 

Suggested reading:

 

 

Medea

•Euripides,Medea

•Study Images: O. Medea

•Zanker and Ewald:353-359 (cat. entry Medea/ Creusa)

Ovid, Metamorphoses:Bk. VII:Medea and Jason,Medea and Aeson,Medea and Pelias: Her Flight;Morford and Lenardon, Ch. 24 ("Jason, Medea and the Argonauts"); Zanker and Ewald, Ch. 1 (Intro. Roman sarcophagi and myth), 76-78 (Marriage and Death), and 212-229 (gender roles on Roman sarcophagi)

*Quiz 10:Euripides’Medea

To successfully complete you must (obviously!) read the tragedy

23. Tues.April 14

Required Reading:

 

Suggested reading:

 

The Trojan War(intro)

•Buxton: 131-139 (Trojan War) and 200-205 (Troy)

•Study Images: P. Trojan War I

Carpenter, Ch. 9 (Trojan War); Morford and Lenardon Ch. 19 (Trojan Saga and theIlliad); Zanker and Ewald, Ch. 1 (Intro. Roman sarcophagi and myth), 62-70 (heroic death), 74-76 (the sack of Illium), 212-229 (gender roles on Roman sarcophagi), 283-294 (cat. entry Achilles), and 350-353 (cat. entry Iliupersis)

24. Thurs. April 16

Required Reading:

The Trojan War, cont.

•Homer,IlliadBks. I-IV

**PLEASE USEILLIADSTUDY GUIDE**

25. Tues. April 21

Required Reading:

The Trojan War, cont.

•Homer,IlliadBks. VI, IX, XIV, and XVI

 **PLEASE USEILLIADSTUDY GUIDE**

*Quiz 11Illiad:BksI-IV, VI, IX, XIV, and XVI:focus on Agamemnon

26. Thurs. April 23

Required Reading:

 

The Trojan War,cont.

•Homer,IlliadBks. XVIII, IXX, XXII and XXIV

**PLEASE USEILLIADSTUDY GUIDE**

27. Tues. April 28

Required Reading:

 

 

 

 

Suggested reading:

 

 

The Trojan War,cont.

•Buxton: 136-139 (Fall of Troy/ Trojan Horse)

•Study images: R. Trojan War II

•Carpenter:Ch. 9 (Trojan War);

•Zanker and Ewald:62-70 (heroic death), 74-76 (the sack of Illium), 283-294 (cat. entry Achilles), and 350-353 (cat. entry Iliupersis)

 

Morford and Lenardon, Ch. 19 (Trojan Saga and theIlliad);Zanker and Ewald, Ch. 1 (Intro. Roman sarcophagi and myth) and 212-229 (gender roles on Roman sarcophagi)

28. Thurs. April 30

 

Loose ends / Review for Final Exam

Exam week:

May 4-8 (Mon-Fri)

*****FINAL EXAM******

Exact date, time and classroom TBA

N.B. The class schedule and the readings are subject to change at the discretion of the professor. Students will be informed of a change by notification either in class or via email.