WEA Course Information Sheet 2014-15
Course title: Classical Civilisations: Aspects of Greek Myth
Course reference: C2417554
Tutor: James Gordon
Venue: Wanstead House, 21 The Green, E11 2NT
Fee: £181.70
Concession: free on proof of
Income Related Benefit
Day(s)/time(s): Fri 10.30-12.30
Start date: 19/9/14
End date: 27/3/15
Number of sessions: 23
Hours per session: 2
Level: 3
Title of qualification to be gained (if any): n/a
Awarding body (if any): n/a
Essential materials: None
Course aims:
To acquaint students with ancient Greek myths, and how they have influenced many aspects of
western culture as we know it today.
Course description:
We focus this year on the rich treasure-house of tales we have inherited from the Greeks; of the
loves, voyages, wars and intrigues featuring well-known heroes and heroines of Greek myth, and
their attendant fabulous beings, both monstrous and divine.
Any prior knowledge or entry requirements?
No requirement, but a basic knowledge of the Olympian gods and goddesses, and of Greek origins
would be helpful (though we shall be giving a fast-track resumé on these aspects, as needed, so
don’t be deterred!)
Course content: what topics will the course cover?
Fast track (first two sessions, if needed): Greek origins, and their debt to other cultures. The
Olympian gods (also as archetypes) – these topics were covered in some depth in a similar group
last year, but (repeat) there is no requirement to be up to speed on any of them.
Main meal: Tales of heroes: Heracles, Perseus, Theseus, Jason, and how women are presented
in Greek myth (mostly badly e.g. Medea and Phaedra); we also outline the main themes of Greek
drama and the epics of Homer.
Teaching, learning and assessment methods: tick those to be used 
Demonstration
Discussion
Project work
Question and
answer
Research
Activity outside

class time
Presentation
 Field trip


Role play
Individual
work
Written work
Observation
Practical work
Group work

Note: * probably confined to tests &
crosswords possibly also some dramatic
reading
*
How will I receive feedback on my learning progress and achievement?
There are occasional tests and quizzes, as well as two end of term crosswords, which relate to the
printed handouts that are issued for each session, and you will be able to tell how much you have
recalled.
Learning outcomes: these are the intended outcomes and may be revised in discussion with the
class. Students are encouraged to think about and identify their own individual outcomes.
By the end of the course, students should be able to:
1. Better understand the contribution of ancient Greek to our modern culture
2. Know a number of Greek myths as stories, and have insights into possible deeper
meanings
3. Be aware of some critical theories about them, and in what ways they have affected, for
instance, twentieth century psychology and psychiatry.
Reading and information sources:
The tutor will recommend during the course.
Suggestions for progression to further study or for using the skills and knowledge gained:
Any other WEA classical civilisation related courses. Other providers such as the Open University
or Birkbeck, University of London and City Lit.
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