LLT 121....Classical Mythology.... Spring 2013
Dr. Edwin Carawan ....office hours 10:30 MWF, 1pm TTh,
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, 6th ed. (2004)-- or 7th edn; you may use the 5th 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. 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 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, 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 (6th edn/7th edn—page numbers vary slightly) and Tragedies in GT.
Jan. 15. . . Intro: Mythmaking and
Society (ch. 1) (3 Theories briefly
illustrated) Unit I: Chapters 2-5 (and Prometheus) Jan. 17 ... Ch. 2, pp. 18-49: Myth
and Cultural Context Culture
Clash ... Sex &
Society Jan. 22 ... Ch. 3 (pp. 52-74).Origins
and the Near East: ... very rough timeline Jan. 24 . . . Ch. 4. Creation 1,
Triumph of Zeus ...(for names of the Olympians, see Unit II,
below) Greek
and NE Succession Compared Jan. 29 ... Ch. 5. Creation 2, Making
of Man Jan. 31 ... Review and discussion Feb. 5 — Quiz 1
(Chh. 2-5) Feb. 97 . . . Aeschylus' Prometheus
Bound (in GT) Unit II: Chh. 6-8--Olympians Feb. 12-14 ... Ch. 6-7/8: Loves of
Zeus, bros. & sons Feb. 19 ... Ch. 8/9. the Great
Goddesses Feb. 21 ... SnowDay—no
class Feb. 26 … Ch.9, Review and discussion Feb. 28 — Quiz 2 (Chh. 6-8 & Prometheus) |
Unit III: Chh. 9/10-11/12 (and Hippolytus)
Mar. 5 ... Euripides' Hippolytus (in GT) Mar. 7 ...Ch.10. Demeter ***Spring Break, Mar. 9-17 *** Mar. 19…Ch. 11. Dionysus Mar. 21 ... Ch.12. Land of the Dead Mar. 26 . . . . . . Quiz 3 (Chh. 9-11 & Hippolytus) Unit IV: Chh. 13-16/17 Heroic Saga Apr. 2-4 ...Chh. 13/14-15. Perseus &
Heracles Apr. 4-9 ... Chh.15-16/17, Theseus
and Athens.
April 11 . . . Quiz 4
(Chh. 13-16/17) Unit V: Chh. 17-21, Thebes & Troy Apr. 16 ... Ch. 17, Theban Cycle Apr. 18 .... Sophocles Antigone (in GT) Apr. 23 ....Ch.18, Jason & Medea Apr. 25-30... Chh.19-20/1. Trojan War
May 2-7 ... Ch. 21. Odysseus May 9 ... Review and Discussion Final Exam:
Tues. May 14, at 11am |