Goals, Expectations and Evaluation

The course readings and assignments have been designed with the goal that students:

 ●          become familiar with
○          the most popular Greek myths,
○          the cultural and historical milieu in which specific versions of them were told,
○          and some of the prominent modern mythological theorists and their approaches

 ●          and develop their abilities to
○          observe texts closely and critically,
○          pose meaningful questions,
○          employ theoretical approaches in developing multiple interpretations,
○          and communicate their conclusions effectively to others.

            To these ends, the course will emphasize writing and discussion. We will use writing in part as a method to think and learn about the course material. For example, to help you read more carefully and prepare to participate in class discussion, 8 informal response papers are required over the course of the semester (5 before Spring Break). These 1-2 page musings on the day’s reading – potentially including a summary, comments, critique, concerns, comparison to other readings, answers to the discussion questions or proposals for new questions – must be submitted before discussion for credit. Since we will be working with a great deal of creative literature, both ancient and modern, you may choose to submit a short story, poetry or other creative writing for two of these informal papers. For all reading assignments, questions are provided on the schedule of assignments to help direct your reading and responses, as well as our discussion. Short writing assignments in class will also help you process the course material. A short (1-2 page) first paper, due the Friday before Spring Break, is designed to demonstrate your ability to interpret a given myth using at least two different theoretical perspectives. A second formal paper will be due on the last day of class which asks you to use the interpretive techniques you’ve developed over the semester to analyze any modern American retelling of a Greek myth you choose. Late paper policy: if a paper is not turned in by the designated time, one letter grade will be deducted from the one otherwise earned. For every additional day the paper is late (24 hrs.), another letter grade will be deducted.

            A quiz will be given early in the term encouraging you to familiarize yourself with the major periods of Greek history, the forms of myth composed during each, and the artists whose work we will read. A creative group project early in the second half of the term will allow you to explore the ways that old myths are used to express new ideas. Finally, a final exam, given during finals week, will encourage you to synthesize and present what you have learned about the deployment of Greek myths within specific cultural and historical settings.

            Class participation includes reading the assigned material, thinking about the questions posed on the syllabus and otherwise preparing, coming to class regularly and on time, as well as actively participating in the group discussion. Attendance will be kept; not only will you not receive credit for participation if you are absent, after four absences your grade will suffer directly. More than six absences may cause you to fail the course.

            If you have difficulties with the date of any scheduled quiz or exam, please consult with me in advance. Likewise, if your abilities necessitate special exam conditions or other considerations, I encourage you to discuss these with me as soon as possible.                                          

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