Exploring the World of Classical Myth

Course description

This course provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the compelling world of Greek Myths from the prehistoric Mediterranean through the Classical world and beyond, reaching out to 21st century. The course emphasizes the broad diversity of cultural traditions as well as the role of the Greeks and their city-states at the crossroads between Europe, Asia and Africa, exploring classical mythology across the ancient lands stretching from Spain to India, and from the Eurasian steppes to Ethiopia. The legacy of Greek culture helps us to understand what is considered classical and based on core human values. Through interactive lectures, hands-on activities, discussions, and investigative assignments students will experience myth by taking the roles of viewers, listeners, readers and performers. They will examine the nature of myth in multi-faceted and authentic contexts. Students will also uncover the historical kernels of truth behind intricate mythical plots and characters. They will become familiar with the power of eternal literary narratives, archetypal concepts, images and symbols. Seminal discoveries in ancient history, classical archaeology, cultural anthropology, gender studies, psychology, astronomy, and other sciences will assist them with the exploration and in-depth understanding of the universal appeal of Greek Mythology to contemporary society.

Course details