LLT 121....Classical Mythology.... Spring 2010 

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

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

http://courses.missouristate.edu/ECarawan

 https://webdav.missouristate.edu/courses.missouristate.edu/ECarawan/images/Zeus.GIF

Texts and Materials:

Required readings are taken from Barry Powell, Classical Mythology, 5th or 6th edn (page numbers below refer to 5th edn); you may use the 4th edition, but be alert to page-changes; Grene and Lattimore, Greek Tragedies, vol.I. (GT).

    An abbreviated but adequate guide is provided for each Unit, with direct links from the syllabus below. As needed, paper copy will be provided in class, at the beginning of each Unit.  A more detailed Outline to the readings in Powell is available online at http://cicero.missouristate.edu/myth/outlines.

    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 4 quizzes (total 60%), in-class exercises (total 10%) and Final exam (30%). The quizzes are primarily short answer and ID, to assure a command of the basic terms (practice quizzes linked to this syllabus). The in-class exercises focus on the tragedies and other primary sources, to test basic comprehension. The final exam is largely short answer but includes outlines and discussion questions.

Expectations: Readings should be completed for the assigned date. Superior participation in class may be credited as much as a letter grade. To make up missed work or make special arrangements, to take or turn in required work at another time, 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.

Jan. 11. . . Intro: Mythmaking and Society (ch. 1)

(3 Theories briefly illustrated)

 

Unit I: Chapters 2-5 (and Prometheus)

 

Jan 13... Ch. 2, pp. 18-49: Myth and Cultural Context

  Culture Clash ... Sex & Society

 

Jan. 15 ... Ch. 3 (pp. 52-74).Origins and the Near East: ...  very rough timeline

 

Jan. 20-5. . . Ch. 4. Creation 1, Triumph of Zeus ...(for names of the Olympians, see Unit II, below)

Greek and NE Succession Compared

 

Jan, 27-Feb.1 ... Ch. 5. Creation 2, Making of Man

 

Feb. 3 — Quiz 1 (Chh. 2-5)

 

Feb. 5-8 . . . Aeschylus' Prometheus Bound (in GT)

 

Unit II: Chh. 6-8--Olympians

 

Feb. 10-12 ... Ch. 6-7: Loves of Zeus, bros. & sons

Feb. 17-19 ..... Ch. 8. the Great Goddesses

Feb. 22 ... Review and discussion

 

Feb. 24— Quiz 2 (Chh. 6-8 & Prometheus)

 

Unit III: Chh. 9-11 (and Hippolytus)

 

Feb. 26-Mar.1 ... Euripides' Hippolytus (in GT)

Mar.1-5...Chh. 9-10. Demeter & Dionysus

    Mar. 8-12 …Spring Break

Mar. 15-17 ... Ch. 11. Land of the Dead

 

Mar. 19 . . . . . . Quiz 3 (Chh. 9-11 & Hippolytus)

 

Unit IV: Chh. 13-16 Heroic Saga

 

Mar. 22-29....Chh. 13-14. Perseus & Heracles

   (no class Friday, Mar. 26)

Mar. 29 –Apr. 5 ... Chh.15-16, Theseus and Athens.

 

Apr. 7 . . . Quiz 4 (Chh. 13-16)

 

Unit V: Chh. 17-21, Thebes & Troy

 

Apr.9   ... Ch. 17, Theban Cycle

Apr. 12  …Sophocles .Oedipus the King (in GT)

Apr. 14 -16.... Sophocles Antigone  (in GT)

 

Apr. 16-19.....Ch.18, Jason & Medea

Apr. 21-28 ... Chh.19-20. Trojan War

Apr. 28- May 3... Ch. 21. Odysseus

May 5 ... Review and Discussion

 

Final Exam: Wed. May 12, 1:15