LLT 121

LLT 121.999 Classical Mythology Fall 2018

Dr. Edwin Carawan ....office hours 1pm M-F,

115 Siceluff.....phone.836-4831... ECarawan@missouristate.edu

http://courses.missouristate.edu/ECarawan

Texts and Materials:

Required readings are taken from Barry Powell, Classical Mythology 7th or 8th edn, you may use the 6th, but be alert to page-changes; tragedies are online at https://bacchicstage.wordpress.com, but the old-school Grene and Lattimore, Greek Tragedies (GT), vols I. and III , are recommended.

An abbreviated but adequate guide is provided for each Unit (below), with direct links from the syllabus below. A more detailed Outline to the readings in Powell is available online here. Additional resources can be found online at http://www.perseus.tufts.edu.

Objectives: This course is designed as an introduction to the gods and heroes of Greek Mythology, as they are represented in literature and art. The chief objectives are:

(1) To gain a basic knowledge of the principal Greek myths representing how the world works and where human beings belong in the cosmos.

(2) To understand how myth develops in response to social factors--how typical relationships in a society (such as marriage customs and political control) shape the stories in myth and are thus reflected in myth.

(3) To appreciate the difference in perspective that ancient society reveals in myth-- to understand how ancient culture constructs identity and responsibility from different assumptions than our own.

Requirements: The course grade is based on 2 quizzes (total 40%), 2 essays (or creative exercise) OR one essay and Final exam (total 50%). The remaining 10% is based on regular participation. The quizzes are primarily short answer and ID, to assure a command of the basic terms (practice quizzes linked to this syllabus). The final exam is based on outlines and discussion questions.

Expectations: Readings should be completed for the assigned date. Productive participation in class may be credited as much as a letter grade.

To make-up missed work or to make special arrangements, you should have a documented necessity (medical need, legal obligation, etc.).Cheating or plagiarism on any work will be subject to the sanctions listed in Student Academic Integrity Policies p. 4, proportionate to the value of the work: no credit for exercise; course F on quiz; XF on Final.

Special considerations: We strongly support University policies to accommodate students with disabilities and to prevent or remedy discrimination of any kind. If you have a concern or special need, please advise the instructor. In regard to disabilities, you may also contact Disability Services (836-4192) http://www.missouristate.edu/disability; regarding discrimination, the Equal Opportunity Officer (836-4252) or go to http://www.missouristate.edu/human/eoaa.htm. See also the general Policy Statement.

The following schedule refers to Chapters in Powell and Tragedies in GT.

Aug. 21. . . Intro: Mythmaking and Society (ch. 1) (3 T heories briefly illustrated)

Unit I: Chapters 2-5 (and Prometheus)

Aug. 23... Ch. 2, pp. 18-49: Myth & Cultural Context:

… Sex & Society

Aug. 28 ... Ch. 3 (pp. 52-74). Origins and the Near East: ... very rough timeline

Aug. 30 . . . Ch. 4. Creation 1, Triumph of Zeus ...(for names of the Olympians, see Unit II, below) Greek and NE Succession Compared

Sept. 4 ... Ch. 5. Creation 2, Making of Man

Unit II: Chh. 6-8/9--Olympians

Sept. 6 . . . Ch. 6-7/8: Loves of Zeus, bros. & sons

Sept. 11 ... Aeschylus' Prometheus Bound

Sept. 13 ... Review and discussion