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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "CL 260"
COURSE NAME: "Classical Mythology"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Summer Session II 2016
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Thomas Govero
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MTWTH 4:00PM 5:45PM
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES:
OFFICE HOURS: By arrangement including weekends

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:

   The course will examine the major myths of the Greco-Roman tradition especially those narrated by



Homer, Hesiod, the tragedians, Vergil and Ovid.  These will critiqued in the context of definitions of



myth in Karen Armstrong's work, A Short History of Myth.  

 


LEARNING OUTCOMES:
.  Students should expect to know the myths studied and be able to relate them in writing or orally.







.  Familiarity with the relation of myth to religion, history, and culture.







.  Ability to give various interpretations of the myths as devised by historians, humanists, literarti,



pyschologists et al over the centuries.







.  An understanding of how man is a myth-creating being.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
The Aeneid of VirgilVirgilBantam0-553-21041-6     
A Short History of MythKaren ArmstrongCanongateI 84195 723 2     
MetamorphosesOvidNorton978-0-393-92534-0 Will order through Almost Cornere   
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
TBD  
Résumés (8)Short paragraphs written at the beginning of the class on a prompt based on the readings or class discussions.20%
Midterm PaperThe midterm paper of 3 pages will be written on a topic of interest chosen by the student or in consultation with the instructor. This paper should NOT be descriptive, i.e. a review of a myth or retelling of the myth, but a critical and analytical discussion of a myth or mythical theme such as the Medea myth, the myth of Io, one of the Homeric Hymns etc.30%
Final Paper (5pages)This paper will be an analytical discussion of a myth not discussed in class but following the methodology of interpretation as done with other myths in class. Like the midterm paper, it should not be descriptive. In addition, each student will give a short, oral review of the paper to the entire class during the final class period.40%
ParticipationDemonstration in classes that the reading has been done and digested. Comments, questions, discussion.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 cour
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:
As this is an intensive, summer session, no absences can be allowed.







Attendance at all sessions is required.
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

SessionSession FocusReading AssignmentOther AssignmentMeeting Place/Exam Dates
Week I: Monday, June 30 - Thursday, July 3Introduction to the course: logistics, review of content, evaluation criteria, procedures. What is myth? Relation of myth to religion, history, philosophy, literature. Methodology of the humanities and sciences. Overview of Greek history and cultural developments. Review of K. Armstrong, Homer, Iliad. Karen Armstrong, A Short History of Myth (all). Homer, Iliad, Books 1, 11, 14, 18, 20, 22, 24. Hesiod, Theogony, Works and Days FG Chapter I, II, III, IV 
Week II: Monday, July 7 - Thursday, July 10Review and discuss: Homer (continued). Hesiod, Theogony, Works and Days. FG: Chapters I - IV, In-class: Plato, "Myth of the Cave"Sophocles, Oedipus Rex, Euripides, Bacchae. Aeschylus, Oresteia FG: Chapters V - VII Midterm Exam: Thursday, July 10, afternoon 
Week III: Monday, July 14 - Thursday, July 17Review and discussion: Aeschylus, Oresteia, Sophocles, Oedipus Rex, Euripides, Bacchae FG: Chapters V - VII, In-class reading: Plato, "Myth of Er"Vergil, Aeneid, Books 1,2,4,6,8 FG: Chapter VIIIOvid, Metamorphoses, (selection to be announced.) Oral reports due in week 4: topics and criteria. 
Week IV: Monday, July 21 - Thursday, July 24Review and discussion of Vergil, Aeneid, Books 1,2,4,6,8 Review and discussion of Ovid, Metamorphoses: based on oral reportsContinued reading of Ovid, Metamorphoses Apuleius, "Cupid and Psyche"  
Week V: Monday, July 28 - Thursday, July 31Review and discussion of Ovid, Metamorphoses (selections), Oral reports (continued). Review and discussion of Apuleius, "Cupid and Psyche" Visit to the Villa Farnesina. Wednesday, July 30 in the morning. 
Final ExamFinal Exam to be scheduled