Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2025 - HUM 209 D100

Heroic Archetypes: From the Trojans to Frankenstein (3)

Class Number: 4452

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 6 – Apr 9, 2025: Wed, 2:30–5:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Examines the origins and traits of heroic identity from Homeric epic and Greek tragedy to contemporary culture. Explores the continuities/discontinuities of heroic archetypes and their impact on cultural/national identities in different contexts and periods. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:


The course offers a succinct overview of exceptional individuals emerging from the ancient Greek world, and references to them in literature, leading up to the 19th c.; it presents the relevant historical and cultural context to explore the different range of celebrated characters from epic poetry and tragedies, along with important traits and values that mirror the social, political systems they emerge from. Focusing on primary sources that contemplate different experiences of conflict, the course presents students with early reflections on identities (collective and/or individual), heroic journeys (range of obstacles and transformative experiences), hierarchies, struggles for power, stories of human suffering (of loss and survival). The course traces celebrated characters and their heroic stories in different literary traditions, while connecting them to philosophical works. It also examines different recurring themes and questions in relation to free will, morality, heroic actions and obstacles, and establishes a range of dis/continuities between the past and the present. Finally, the course explores how the retellings of the heroic tales can provide insight into different societies, value systems, traditions, identity and politics.

Grading

  • Participation 12%
  • Presentation 12%
  • Quizzes (4) 40%
  • In-class exercises (2) 16%
  • Term Paper 20%

NOTES:

This course fulfills the Global Humanities requirements for the 

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

Griffin, Jasper. Homer : The Odyssey / Jasper Griffin. 2nd ed., Cambridge University Press, 2004. [available online/ SFU Library catalogue]

Gibbons, Reginald, and Charles Segal. Antigone / Sophocles ; Translated by Reginald Gibbons and Charles Segal. Oxford University Press, 2023. [available online/ SFU Library catalogue]

Scully, et al. Prometheus Bound / Aeschylus ; Translated by James Scully and C.J. Herington. 1st ed., Oxford University Press, 1989. [available online/ SFU Library catalogue]

Shelley, Mary Wollstonecraft. Frankenstein / Mary Shelley. 1st ed., Open Road Media Integrated Media, 2014. [available online/ SFU Library catalogue]

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

Johnston, Sarah Iles, and Johnston, Tristan. Gods and Mortals : Ancient Greek Myths for Modern Readers / Sarah Iles Johnston ; with Illustrations by Tristan Johnston. Princeton University Press, 2023. [available online/ SFU Library catalogue]

Excerpts of other works 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

RELIGIOUS ACCOMMODATION

Students with a faith background who may need accommodations during the term are encouraged to assess their needs as soon as possible and review the Multifaith religious accommodations website. The page outlines ways they begin working toward an accommodation and ensure solutions can be reached in a timely fashion.