Classical Mythology / Modern Literature

Syllabus Eng 303:

Classical Mythology:  Greek Myth / Modern Lit

Block 1, 2006
Dr. Taimi Olsen, Virginia 308a, (h) 636-1886
tolsen@tusculum.edu

Office hours: M, W, Th 1:30-2:30 (I'll be in the chatroom as well)

Schedule

Description: Study of the Greek myths with illustration of their evocative power and continued rebirth in literature, painting, and music.  We may also examine the mythological mode of thinking that precedes the age of reason in the development of a society. 

In this section, we examine Greek mythology as a way to understand art and literature, particularly contemporary poetry and novels.  We will also examine contemporary theories which are influenced by exploration of the mythological mode of thinking. 

 Goals

1.  Become familiar with the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology, the major Greek myths, and stories of the Greek heroes.
   
   
2. Consider the context of Greek mythology.
   
   
3. Understand introductory theories of mythology’s purposes and current uses of mythological thought.
   
   
4. Apply this knowledge to contemporary art, poetry and fiction.
   
   
5. Develop ways of examining contemporary art, moving from comparisons to interpretive hypotheses and syntheses.
   

1. Recognize and tell about all the major Greek gods / goddesses, their attributes and stories and the temples and rituals associated with them.
   
   
2. Summarize the stories about the major heroes of Greek mythology.
   
   
3. Apply theoretical positions to the interpretation of materials which reference greek mythology (i.e. modern poetry, art, etc).
   
   
4. Examine context in Greek mythology (context as historical, religious, cultural, artistic, environmental).
   
   
5. Interpret and appraise modern art, poetry, and fiction which uses greek mythology motifs and themes.
   
   
6. Construct written, oral, and web-based materials on Greek mythology and  its use in modern texts and images

 
Texts

Students will have two course paks as well: one with poetry and one with theoretical articles.   I will collect the fee for the Theory Pack; 
the poetry pack is available on Sakai--you are responsible for printing and bringing to class any poems that we discuss in class.

Optional texts:  Homer's The Odyssey or The Iliad (translators Fagles or Fitzgerald);  Ovid's Metamorphosis; The Homeric Hymns.

SAKAI: http://lamp.acaweb.org/portal/   

This course is on "sakai" (the name of the course management software).  You are already enrolled and need to access it and change your password.  You can view the schedule (with major assignments on it only), your syllabus, resources and web sites are listed, you can drop off papers and paper drafts, and use the discussion board or chat room.  Also, you will have access to your grades through this site.  You must use your student email account for this site to log on. 

Regular internet use is required; a usb drive (thumb drive) is recommended. 

Analyses of Art and Poetry / Journal Entries:  (formal, 2 page, typed analyses) minimum of 3; 15%

      *use the poetry analysis and image analysis sheets on my web page.

Midterm: 20% Questions on  the gods and mythological stories; analysis of poems, images, texts on syllabus.

Completion and presentation on the Orestia: 15%.  Use  Power Point or Web format (see the introduction to power point). See the assessment on public speaking, on "Sakai." 

 Final: 20% Questions on  the gods and mythological stories; analysis of poems, images, texts on syllabus. 
       Sample questions:

• List and explain the attributes for the gods / goddesses.
• Discuss the myth of Persephone and its relation to spiritual life and to natural life.
• What is the Delphic Oracle and how was it established?
•  Choose a mythic story and offer a theoretical reading (either anthropological or Jungian) of one of them:  The creation; Heracles; Leda; Belus (and the Danaids); Orpheus; Europe and Cadmus;  Prometheus;  Meleager and Atalanta. 
  
•  Does this image or poem--inform and change how you view the possible use of mythology in art?

 Research paper: 20%  Analysis and synthesis of a god, goddess, or major story with reference to both the Greek context and modern interpretations.  I
  urge you to consider  overlapping poetry and image analysis with your paper topic.

ATTENDANCE POLICY: I will follow the college attendance policy, which mandates student attendance at every class session and allows three valid absences for school-sponsored events (including participation in sports events but not practice).  For excused absences, students may make up work if possible; arrangements should be made in advance.  Non-excused absences will incrementally affect your grade (2 points per day) and the fourth absence will result in a failing grade for the class.  Late appearances to class (3=1 absence) will also accumulate to affect your grade.

GRADING POLICY: Substitute assignments for major assignments may be allowed only at the instructor's discretion.  The final can be made up or taken early only in exceptional cases. Late homework is not accepted.  LATE PAPERS may be graded down a letter grade or more per day.  Turn in papers during class on the due date to avoid late penalties. No work will be accepted after the last day of class.

ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT / PLAGARISM: Consult the Tusculum College catalogue.   You should properly cite any work not your own, including quotations, paraphrases, and summations.  Incidents of plagiarism will result in sanctions according to the catalogue.

Learning Services:

Students requiring accommodations in order to work effectively in class should contact Dr. Lisa R. Johnson at (423) 636-7300 ext. 5651 or 1-800-729-0256 ext. 5651 or email ljohnson@tusculum.edu. The Learning  Support Services Office is located in Room 112 of Annie Hogan Byrd as part of theTusculum College Academic Resource Center (Box 5025 TC mailing address).

LINKS TO GREEK WEB SITES:

The Classics Pages

The Decameron Web

PERSEUS

Poseidon's Greek Mythology Page
(a hobby page only)

Teaching Euripides' MedeaGreek tragedy

THEOI PROJECT - A Guide to Greek Gods, Spirits & Monsters

The Internet Classics Archive | Metamorphoses by Ovid

Metamorphoses by Ovid, part of the Internet Classics Archive

Ancient Greek Religion and Philosophy - ReligionFacts.com

Comprehensive guide to ancient Greek religion and mythology, including glossary, timeline, gods and goddesses, festivals and more.

The Greek Alphabet Worksheet

History - Learn about the Greek alphabet using this worksheet

Encyclopedia Mythica: mythology, folklore, and religion.

The premier encyclopedia on mythology, folklore, and religion.

Bill Moyers on Faith & Reason . Perspectives . Myths and Sacred Tales | PBS

Perspectives on mythology and storytelling from around the world.

Women in Greek Myths