This course integrates literature and film as an introduction to ancient Greek literature and culture. With one or two exceptions, these films do not adapt particular works of Greek literature, but make use of important themes developed in antiquity, shed light on complex structures embedded in the literature, or otherwise translate and allude in meaningful ways to the texts that we will discuss in connection with the films. As students you will be asked to read several works of Greek literature, watch films and discuss them in class, and write essays over the course of the semester; in so doing you will learn to analyze imagery, trace metaphors and themes, and interpret crucial scenes and passages in the context of a work as a whole.

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

*There will be an optional showing of Double Life of Veronique in the Language Acquisition Center on Thursday, January 18 at 5:30pm. If you cannot attend the showing you will need to come view the film at another time or rent it on your own.*

The Spring 2007 syllabus is available here.

There is no background in Classical literature or mythology required for this class. But if you like mythology, and want a basic guidebook to the myths of many different cultures, check out Mythology for Dummies, which was written by my brother-in-law and sister-in-law.Also highly recommended: Classical Mythology, by Morford and Lenardon.