The course objective is to examine classical myths that form the backbone of Western literary tradition, looking from both a traditional, patriarchal view, as well as the alternate perspective of matriarchal readings. In studying the accounts from Mesopotamia, Egypt, Mycenean Greece, Crete and Ancient Rome, students will acquire familiarity with various dimensions of myths (cosmological myths and their mystical, sociological and pedagogical functions, reading interpretations of gods and goddesses, heroes and heroines) in comparative readings of the myths, coming to the Roman accounts of Ovid as translated by Ted Hughes in their interpretation of the mythological past.
Prerequisite(s)
None
Corequisite(s)
None
Special Requisite(s)
None
Instructor(s)
Assoc. Prof. Gillian Alban
Course Assistant(s)
--
Schedule
Tuesday 9-12
Office Hour(s)
Tuesday 12-14
Teaching Methods and Techniques
-Formal lectures, discussions and presentations.
Principle Sources
Joseph Campbell with Bill Moyers, The Power of Myth, New York: Doubleday, 1988.
Miriam Robbins Dexter, Whence the Goddesses: A Source Book, Athene Series, New York & London: Teachers College Press, Columbia University, 1990.
Heide Göttner-Abendroth, The Goddess and her Heros, Trans. Lilian Friedberg, Stow, Massachusetts: Anthony Publishing Company, 1995.
Tales from Ovid: Twenty-four passages from the Metamorphoses, London: Faber & Faber, 1997.
Other Sources
Riane Eisler, The Chalice and the Blade, London: Thorsons, 1990.
Merlin Stone, When God As a Woman, New York: Dorset Press, 1976.
Leeming, David Adams. The World of Myth. New York: Oxford U Press, 1990.
Graves, Robert. The Greek Myths. Baltimore, 1955.
Hamilton, Edith. Mythology. New York, 1953.
Classical Mythology. Morford & Lenardon.
Hesiod, Theogony, 1957.
Course Schedules
Week
Contents
Learning Methods
1. Week
Introduction
Oral presentation, Group Discussions and Term Paper
2. Week
Campbell, The Power of Myth; Myth and the Modern World
Oral presentation, Group Discussions and Term Paper
3. Week
Campbell, The Power of Myth; The Journey Inward
Oral presentation, Group Discussions and Term Paper
4. Week
Campbell, The Gift of the Goddess
Oral presentation, Group Discussions and Term Paper
5. Week
Dexter, Whence the Goddesses; Bird & Snake Icons
Oral presentation, Group Discussions and Term Paper
6. Week
Dexter, Goddesses of the Near East; Göttner- Abendroth, The Goddess and her Heros QUIZ
Oral presentation, Group Discussions and Term Paper
7. Week
Dexter, Goddesses of Near East; Male-God centered societies. Project - title, thesis & outline
Oral presentation, Group Discussions and Term Paper
8. Week
Midterm Exam
Oral presentation, Group Discussions and Term Paper
9. Week
Dexter, Greek and Roman goddesses
Oral presentation, Group Discussions and Term Paper
Oral presentation, Group Discussions and Term Paper
11. Week
Göttner-Abendroth, The Goddess and her Heros, Greece, Crete
Oral presentation, Group Discussions and Term Paper
12. Week
Abend; Asia Minor, Palestine Hughes' Ovid, Metamorphoses, Venus & Adonis
Oral presentation, Group Discussions and Term Paper
13. Week
Final hard/ soft copy of 900-1000 word project
Oral presentation, Group Discussions and Term Paper
14. Week
Ovid, Tiresias, Proserpina, Midas, Niobe; review of mythic interpretations
Oral presentation, Group Discussions and Term Paper
15. Week
Review
16. Week
Final Exams Week
17. Week
Final Exams Week
Assessments
Evaluation tools
Quantity
Weight(%)
Midterm(s)
1
20
Quizzes
2
30
Project(s)
1
20
Final Exam
1
20
Program Outcomes
PO-1
Show knowledge of a substantial range of authors, movements and texts from different periods of literary history.
PO-2
Identify the intellectual, cultural and socio-historical contexts in which literature
is written and read.
PO-3
Employ the necessary skills in the reading, analysis and in appreciation of literature.
PO-4
Recognize, interpret, and comment on rhetorical and figurative language.
PO-5
Identify, distinguish between and assess the distinctive characteristics of texts written in the principle literary genres.
PO-6
Recall and define key terms and concepts relating to language, literature and/or culture.
PO-7
Recognize the role of different social and cultural contexts in affecting meaning.
PO-8
Demonstrate responsiveness to the central role of language in the creation of meaning.
PO-9
Recognize different structures and discourse functions of the English language.
PO-10
Display competence both in written and/or oral expression and in the
communication of ideas in a variety of contexts.
PO-11
Demonstrate critical skills in the close reading, description, interpretation,
and analysis of literary and non-literary texts.
PO-12
Use logical thought, critical reasoning, and rhetorical skills to effectively
construct arguments.
PO-13
Apply guided research skills including the ability to gather, sift, organize and
present information and material.
PO-14
Show competence in planning, preparation and revision of essays,
presentations, and other written and project work.
PO-15
Reflect on ethical and philosophical issues raised in literary, critical, and
cultural texts.
Learning Outcomes
LO-1
Show knowledge about the tradition of the epic, the nature of the heroic and the relation of gods to humanity in ancient cultures.
LO-2
Identify the cultural and socio-historical contexts from which major myths have emerged
LO-3
Identify, distinguish between and assess the distinctive characteristics of belief systems and traditions pertaining to the Mesopotamian and Greco-Roman cultures.
LO-4
Recall and define critical terms and seminal concepts relating to ancient traditions.
LO-5
Demonstrate critical skills in the close reading, description, interpretation, analysis of a variety of classical tales by assessing the role of key themes and subjects.
LO-6
Show competence in planning and preparation of presentations and written work for the course.
