Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2024 - HUM 102W D900

Classical Mythology (3)

Class Number: 5416

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 8 – Apr 12, 2024: Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Surrey

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 13, 2024
    Sat, 12:00–12:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

An introduction to the central myths of the Greeks and Romans. The course will investigate the nature, function, and meaning of myths in the classical world and their considerable influence on western civilization. Students with credit for HUM 102 may not take this course for further credit. Writing/Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

Classical Mythology: Gods, Heroes, & Monsters


Irascible, irresponsible, irrational. . . and yet irresistable and irreplaceable. The Greek and Roman gods have made the transition from the sacred beings venerated in ancient times to powerful metaphors in Western art and literature. This writing-intensive course explores the ancient gods, monsters, and heroes of the Greco-Roman world.

The fundamental core of mythology is myth, sacred but seriously weird narratives about primordial entities. Illuminating the meaning of these bizarre narratives are clues from art, literature, and ancient culture, particularly what is known of ancient ritual. This course examines primary texts and ancient art to unearth these early layers and takes the gods, heroes, and monsters into their rôles in classical literature, particularly drama and epic.

Grading

  • Translation Comparison 10%
  • Paper Introduction and Bibliography 15%
  • Article Review 15%
  • Peer Editing 5%
  • Midterm (late in the term) 22%
  • Final Paper 20%
  • Participation 13%

Materials

REQUIRED READING:

This course will use a selection of primary texts and images available online and / or by logging into the SFU library; there is no separate textbook. These include selections from Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey; Hesiod’s Theogony; Euripides’ Medea; Aeschylus’s Eumenides as well as hymns, epitomes, poems, art, and other primary sources from Greek and Latin tradition.


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