HU 212 - Classical Mythology

2. Demonstrate the ability not only to retain mythological knowledge (for there is little objectivity in such pursuits) but also to increase that knowledge through the engagement of new works of literature, art, and study of archeological remains. (GELO 3)

3. Demonstrate sensitivity and hospitality toward the socio-historical contexts in which different authors will have addressed issues pertaining to mythology, particularly, but not limited to, the nature of the divine realm and human interactions with divinity. (GELO 4)

4. Demonstrate critical alertness toward the literary nuances and peculiarities of each author we encounter. (GELO 3)

5. Demonstrate the ability to respond to our mythological sources both verbally and in writing, and to express oneself in writing both through quizzes, tests, in-class verbal defense and more formal papers to be composed out of class time. (GELO 2)

6. Demonstrate a developed understanding toward the ways in which literary, moral, philosophical, and theological currents that pervade mythology have variously changed and also continued to flow throughout contemporary Western thought. (GELO 4)

7. Demonstrate the ability to understand pantheistic narratives from a number of different perspectives. (GELO 4)

8. Make effective presentation, formatting, and stylistic choices when developing a communication. (GELO 2)

9. Understand the role of context, audience, and purpose when developing a communication. (GELO 2)

10. Develop a plan to implement a solution to a problem or issue. (GELO 3)

11. Identify quality sources for data and information pertinent to a problem or issue being examined. (GELO 5)

12. Discuss how communities, countries, or cultures differ in their values, politics, communication styles, beliefs and practices. (GELO 4)
Course Outline:
I. Introduction: What is Mythology?  Why does it matter?

II. Joesph Campbell and the Hero’s Journey

III. Babylonian and Egyptian Mythology (Epic of Gilgamesh)

IV. Creation Stories

V. Epic Poetry

     A. Homer and the Oral Tradition

     B. Homer’s Odyssey

VI. Olympian Deities  (Zeus, Hera, Apollo, Athena, Poseidon, Hermes, Hades, Aphrodite, Ares, Artemis, and Hephaestus)

VII. Myth in Tragedy

     A. Sophocles’ Antigone

     B. Euripides’ Bacchae

VIII. Myth and Belief

     A. Traditional Greek Religion

     B. Ancient Mystery Cults

IX. Greek Heroes (Theseus, Jason, Perseus, and Heracles)

X. Roman Mythology (Vergil’s Aeneid)

XI. The Ancient World on Film

1. Lecture–with a special emphasis on visual materials–art and archeology (50% of class time)

2. Oral student presentations on topics chosen by the students (10% of class time)

3. Structured oral debates focusing on defense of theses regarding particular readings (10% of class time)

4. In-class reading/performance of drama (10% of class time)

5. Film viewing and critique (10% of class time)

6. Online quizzes to test day-to-day reading comprehension and retention (done by students outside of class time)

7. In-class essay-based tests requiring the use of evidence to prove/advance a given thesis (10% of class time)
Mandatory Course Components:
Daily reading quizzes, essay-based Midterm and Final, in-class oral presentation on student-chosen topic, formal research paper
Name of Industry Recognize Credentials: None

Course-Specific Placement Test: None
Course Aligned with ARW/IRW Pairing: NA