Intercession 2013 Greek and Roman Mythology
Instructor: Professor Laura Dlugacz 610 642-5985
email: ld450818 @sju.edu
This course presents a survey of the most important myths associated with ancient Greece and Rome.
Students become familiar with the basic stories and are expected to engage in analysis of their meaning
as well as their relationship to modern religious traditions.
Students will follow the ancient mind in its search for a rational explanation of life, people, the cosmos,
and the mysteries of human behavior. In addition, they will be strive to place myth into historical and
archeological context.
The textbook, Edith Hamilton’s Mythology, Is a wonderful, time-tested, comprehensive survey of
Classical myth. To be successful in this course, a student must attend class and must do the readings.
Videos, powerpoints and movies will be part of the classroom experience.
“The King Must Die” by Mary Renault will be required reading. A paper will be worth 25% of the final
grade will be based on the book. There will be two multiple choice quizzes (15% of final grade) and a
final exam(40% of final grade).Class participation is worth 20% of your final grade. Grades will follow the
scale:
100-93= A
80-78=C+
65-63=D-
92-90=A-
77-75=C
Below 63=F
89-87=B+
74-72=C-
86-84=B
71-69=D+
83-81= B-
68-66=D
Required Texts:
Mythology, Timeless tales of Gods and Heroes, by Edith Hamilton. paperback , any edition.
The King Must Die, by Mary Renault. paperback, any edition
In accordance with state and federal laws, the University will make reasonable accommodations for students with
documented disabilities. For those who have or think that you may have a disability requiring an accommodation
(learning, physical, psychological) should contact Services for Students with Disabilities, Room G10, Bellarmine,
610-660-1774 (voice) or 610-660-1620 (TTY) as early as possible in the semester for additional information and so
that an accommodation, if appropriate, can be made in a timely manner. You will be required to provide current
(within 3 years) documentation of the disability.
For a more detailed explanation of the University’s accommodation process, as well as the programs and services
offered to students with disabilities, please go to www.sju.edu/studentlife/studentresources/sess/ssd. If you have
any difficulty accessing the information on-line, please contact Services for Students with Disabilities at the
telephone numbers above.
Syllabus
**all required readings must be done by students prior to that day’s class**
Day One-Wednesday: Required Readings: Edith Hamilton-Part One chapters 1-3
1. The history of oral and written language .
2. A concise history of the Mediterranean peoples from 2000 BCE to 100 CE
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Day Two-Thursday: Required readings: Edith Hamilton- ; Part two, Chapter 8 (Daedalus)
1.What is myth? What was the religion of the ancient Greeks
and Romans?
2. Class Discussion: “In the Beginning ” according to the ancients. Creation myths
3. The Pantheon of Gods and Goddesses.
4. Essay requirements are discussed—4-5 pages comparing mythic versions of the tale of
Theseus with the Novel’s semi- historical approach.
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day Three-Friday: Required Readings: Edith Hamilton : Part 3 chapter 10 Theseus
begin reading
The King Must Die by Mary Renault ,Part 4
1. Theseus, King of Athens--myth or history?
2.Discussion and comparison of the Theseus myth.
Be prepared to participate with active insights.
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Day Four-Saturday : Required Readings: Edith Hamilton Part 3 Hercules page 166-179
1. quiz today on themes in Classical myth.
2. DVD- The labors of Hercules. Discussion about Greece’s favorite hero !
Complete reading The King Must Die and begin your essay. Essay due Saturday.
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Day Five Monday: Required Readings: Edith Hamilton Part 4 Chapters 13 ,14 and 16
1. The Trojan War, fact and fiction.
2. Why was the Trojan war really fought??
2. DVD--Troy
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Day Six-Tuesday: Required Readings:
Edith Hamilton, Part 4 Chapters 13, 14 and 15 The Odyssey; The Iliad of Homer-- The Trojan War
1. Meanwhile, while Aeneas was wandering around, so was Odysseus-- The Odyssey of Homer
2. The Aeneid by Vergil and the founding of Rome
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Day Seven-Wednesday: required readings: Edith Hamilton Part 3 Chapter 9
1. The hero Perseus.
The Story of Perseus
DVD Clash of the Titans.
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Day Eight-Thursday -- required readings Edith Hamilton Part 2 chapters 5 and 6
1. The Art and myths of Metamorphosis—
Daphne, Io, Narcissus, Hyacinth, Adonis,
Scylla and Charibdys, Aurora and Tithonus(be careful what you wish for…),
the Medusa, Arachne, Callisto
2. Myths of love and impregnation by the Gods- Coronis, Leda ,Semele , Alcmena
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Day Nine-Friday
Required readings: Edith Hamilton Part 2-- chapters 5 and 6
1. Heaven and Hell in Roman tradition (Persephone,Tantalus, Sisyphus)
2. Visits to the Underworld by Hercules, Aeneas, Orpheus
Saturday-Day Ten
1. Essays handed in. 2. Final Exam.