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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CL 260-1"
COURSE NAME: "Classical Mythology"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Spring 2016
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Benedetta Bessi
EMAIL: [email protected]
 HOURS: MW 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 explore the stories of the gods and heroes of the Graeco-Roman tradition and will discuss them in light of various methodological approaches applied by various disciplines to the study of myth ( history of religion, anthropology, gender studies, psychology etc.). Considerable attention will be given also to the relevant role of Classical Mythology in shaping Western identity and to its persistance in today's world.

Please notice that a museum visit (location and time TBA) will be organized and it is to be considered integral and mandatory component of the course. The museum ticket (around 10 euros) is to be paid by the students.

LEARNING OUTCOMES:
By the end of this course, the students will acquire full familiarity with the "who is who" of Classical mythology and with the plots of the most popular myths and sagas. Through the application of various methodological approaches to the study of the myths, they will also acquire a deeper understanding of many relevant theories of modern scholarship. Analytical and critical skills will be improved through class discussions and on site projects.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Classical MythologyM. Morford-R.j. LenardonOxford University Press0199997322     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
3 in class quizzes the quizzes in the form of short answers and an essay question are administered at regular intervals and cover only the new portion of material 45%
2 onsite projectsFor each project the students are invited to explore the rich visual heritage of ancient and modern Rome and to relate it to the myths learned in class20%
final exam A final exam partially corresponding to the fourth in class quiz but enriched by a final cumulative essay which asks the student to summarize his/her learning experience and to reflect on the application of this material on his/her academic and personal experience. 25%
attendance and participation  10%

-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:
Attendance is mandatory and it will be taken at the beginning of each session. More than 4 unexcused absences will result in the lowering of the grade (A to A-; A-to B+ etc.)
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

Course Outline                                                                                                                                                                  

                              

Course Outline                                                                                                                                                                  

 

                               Theme                                                        Activity                                                Assignment

 

Week 1                                                                                                

 Jan 18  Introductions                                             "Myths around Us"                             

 Jan 20  The historical background of myth         "HeinrichSchliemann”                       Ch 1&2

                              

Week 2 

Jan 25  Myths of creation & generational         “Non Classical traditions”                    Ch 3&4

                        upheaval; Zeus & mortals

 Jan 27   The Olympian gods & their nature "The Olympian Gods in Art"                    Ch 5&6

                                                                                                                            

Week 3

Feb 1 Poseidon, sea deities & monsters  "Roman Fountains"                                Ch 7

Feb 3 Athena;                                         "The Athenian Parthenon"                       Ch 8

 

Week 4             

 Feb 8 Aphrodite/Venus & Love             "The Origin of Love"                     Ch 9                      

 Feb 10  Test # 1                

                                                                                                                                                            

Week 5                

 Feb 15 Artemis/Diana,                                                                                     Ch 10                                                 

                                                      

Feb 17 Apollo, Asclepius                      "Tiber Island"                                        Ch 11

1st museum report due

                                              

Week 6

Feb 22  Hermes                                         “Liminality”                                                  Ch 12

Feb 24 Dionysos                                             “The Bacchae”                                         Ch 13

 

Week 7       

Feb 29 Demeter                                            “Mystery religions”                             Ch 14

Mar  1  The Underworld                              “Orpheus and Eurydice”               Ch 15-16           

Mar 4 MAKE UP DAY                                           

 

Week 8

 Mar 7 Test #2

Mar 9  The Theban Sagan                              “Oedipus’complex “                           Ch 17

                                       

Week 9

Mar 14 The Mycenean Saga                               "Electra’s complex"                          Ch 18

Mar 16  The Trojan Saga and the Iliad  “Homer and the Homeric Question”            Ch 19             



Week 10

 Mar 21 The Returns and the Odyssey   “Odysseus and his Fortune”                     Ch 20

 Mar 23 Perseus                                         “Gorgo/Medusa”                                   Ch 21

 

Week 11

 Apr 4 Test #3

 Apr 6 Herakles                                         Herakles'Disney movie                                   Ch 22  

 

         

 Week 12   

Apr 11 Theseus,                                                                                               Ch 23                   2nd  Museum report

Apr 13 Jason and the Argonauts                                                                       Ch 24 

                                                                                         

 Week 13

Apr 18  Roman Mythology                                                                Ch 25 

Apr 20 The Aeneid                        "The Augustean age"                  Ch. 26


Week 14 

Apr 25 Italian National Holiday no class

Apr 27 Wrap up session and final review