Classical Mythology

Course Description

Myth is a narrative form through which people within a particular culture establish and probe their shared sense of reality, identity, and relatedness. Many myths provide explanations for how things came to be the way they are at the time the story is told. Other myths explore human dependence on, and vulnerability to, the forces manifest in nature, which are typically personified as superhuman beings or forces. Other myths provide positive and negative examples of humanity in light of the values promoted within the particular society. Still other myths clearly have a primarily entertainment value, reveling in surprise, scandal, and comedy. In these ways, myth facilitates human exploration of meaning in life. The Classical mythology of Greece and Rome and the biblical stories of Judaism and Christianity did this in their original historical and regional contexts, and continue to do so in their long afterlife as part of the heritage of European and American culture. This course provides students with an exploration of how these stories address perennial human questions and concerns about a meaningful universe. This course will examine Greek and Roman classical myths and Jewish and Christian biblical stories that have frequently been represented in visual cultures over the centuries in Europe and beyond. When taught as part of a study abroad trip, the course will be customized to provide the literary background of the specific visual material students will view while abroad. Letter grade only.

Code

CLA 280

Credits

3

Subject

CLA

Programs That Include This Course

• Minor Classical Studies Minor