Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2023 - HUM 209 D100

Heroic Greek Tales: From the Trojans to Frankenstein (3)

Class Number: 6839

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 4 – Apr 11, 2023: Tue, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the origins and traits of heroic identity from ancient Greek plays and Homeric poetry to contemporary culture. Explores the continuities/discontinuities of these archetypes and their impact on cultural/national identities in different contexts and periods. Students with credit for HS 209 or HUM 360 or HS 307 under the title "Heroic Individuals and their Tales" may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

The aims of this course are: i) to offer a succinct overview of exceptional individuals as presented in different fictional works, leading up to the 19th c.; ii) to explore important notions and themes, while making references to works of various theorists and thinkers; iii) to compare and contrast past archetypes with new ones, found in popular culture, contemporary literature and film. Specifically, by tracing continuities and ruptures between past and present representations of different archetypes, the course examines how fictional figures provide commentary on the un/makings of collective and individual identities; on agency, action, ethics, religion, memory, society, culture and politics. The course offers a critical analysis on symbols and notions that emerge from cultural production, in an transnational context, while connecting them to contemporary debates.

Grading

  • Participation 12%
  • Presentation 16%
  • Quizzes (2) 30%
  • In-class exercises 10%
  • Portfolio 32%

NOTES:

This course counts towards a concentration in Hellenic Studies or Art and Material Culture for students enrolled in a Global Humanities major or minor program. This course also counts towards the Hellenic Studies Certificate.

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Lattimore, Richmond. The Iliad of Homer. Chicago; London: University of Chicago Press, 2011. [different e-book available / SFU Library catalogue]

Kohen, Ari. Untangling Heroism : Classical Philosophy and the Concept of the Hero / Ari Kohen. New York: Routledge, 2014. [e-book / SFU Library catalogue]

Libman, Diane J., et al. Sophocles' Antigone : a New Translation. New York: Cambridge University Press, 2011. [e-book / SFU Library catalogue]

Shelley, Mary. Frankenstein. London: Penguin Books, 2008.

Gavaler, Chris, et al. Superhero Thought Experiments. University of Iowa Press, 2019. [e-book / SFU Library catalogue]

*Additional readings, library inks to films will be available on Canvas.


REQUIRED READING NOTES:

Your personalized Course Material list, including digital and physical textbooks, are available through the SFU Bookstore website by simply entering your Computing ID at: shop.sfu.ca/course-materials/my-personalized-course-materials.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity website http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating. Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the university community. Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the university. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the university. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html