Overview

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Studies Greek archetypes, texts and concepts in a transnational context. Offers a critical analysis on the continuities and discontinuities of the representations of Greek cultural references, contextualized in gender theory, politics, philosophy, and literary theory. Students with credit for HUM 418, HS 418 or HUM 480 or HS 403 under the title "After Modernities: Greeks Go Global" may not take this course for further credit. Breadth-Humanities.

COURSE DETAILS:

 Greeks Go Global: From Antigone to Atwood

This course examines literary texts, plays, artworks and films which include references to widely known concepts (for example, myth, epic, tyranny, ethos, polis, tragedy, comedy), mythological characters and stories that have emerged from the ancient Greek world. Specifically, it focuses on how various allusions to, and retellings of aspects of the ancient Greek world manifest in modern culture and connect to contemporary social, political debates and issues that emerge from within different national contexts.

The course offers an overview of 20^th c and 21^st c major movements, significant theoretical works, historical events and political developments; the important background that will allow for more nuanced study of course materials and reflections on the following key questions: What is the relation between past and present? Culture and politics? Between individual and collective? Between different nations and individual artists, writers, directors? What are some notable examples of the range of references made to ancient Greek culture, philosophy and history within different media, literary genres and popular culture? What do the choices made by contemporary creators - in terms of engagement with specific texts, concepts from the Greek world - indicate?

Throughout the term, there will also be references made to the specific historical, socio-political context, for each of the texts, plays, artworks and films examined in class; the conditions under which various cultural materials are created and their connections with other traditions. Students will be encouraged to reflect on major themes from selected works referenced in class and on the legacies, the contributions of the thinkers, the creators who examine a range of pressing issues; who identify - as well as explore closely - modes of thinking, fears, hopes and anxieties of their contemporaries through storytelling. Ultimately, the course presents students with opportunities to examine the role that culture has in peoples’ lives’ as well as links, and dialogues between different nations.

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

• Demonstrating familiarity with a range of theories, texts, plays and films from across the globe.
• Evaluating and contextualizing sources within specific cultural contexts.
• Developing critical and analytical thinking while engaging with different sources and peers.
• Constructing and presenting arguments effectively, in presentations, debates, written assignments.
• Developing a deeper understanding of a range of cultural, social, and political issues across the globe.
• Establishing connections between case studies and their impact on different communities.

Grading

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Additional readings, plays, texts, artworks and films, will be available on Canvas.

REQUIRED READING:

REQUIRED READING NOTES: