Course Description

  This courses studies some of the world’s great storytellers–the ancient Greeks. We will read from collections of Greek poetry to become familiar with the key figures and events in mythology, including the Olympian gods and their origins, the major heroes, and the Trojan War. At the same time, we will be investigating the ways in which moderns have interpreted these stories. We’ll practice reading myths using approaches developed in psychology, anthropology, sociology, linguistics, and literary studies, as well as through postmodern lenses. In looking at these theories and the later reuse of Greek myths, we will tackle certain fundamental questions: What were the myths to the ancient Greeks? How can we interpret them? And why have so many people continued to retell Greek myths over time?

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