Description:

This course provides a systematic study of the myths and epic cycles of the Greeks and Romans in both literature and art and investigates their survival and metamorphosis in the literature and visual arts of Western Europe. In addition, this course provides several methodological frameworks with which to analyze several types of tales and their relation to history, religion, rituals and art. 3 hrs. lecture/wk.

Supplies: Refer to the instructor's course syllabus for details about any supplies that may be required.

Prerequisites: NONE

Textbook(s): For information see - http://bookstore.jccc.net

Course Fees: NONE

Course Objectives:

Upon successful completion of this course the student should be able to:

1. Identify the literary sources of Greek and Roman myths and set them within a chronological context of Greek and Roman history.
2. Identify the major schools of myth interpretation that arose in the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries and explain how they add to our understanding of the nature and function of myth in society, both in the ancient and modern world.
3. Identify the Greek myths of creation, the Titans, and the Olympian gods, both in literary and visual forms.
4. Identify the gods of the Mystery Religions and explain their new expressions of mythic-religious sensibility.
5. Identify the eight major Greek heroic sagas and demonstrate their relation to ancient Greek history.
6. Identify the indigenous Roman gods and describe the transformation of Greek myths into Roman forms.
7. Describe the artistic legacy of Greek and Roman mythology.

Content Outline & Competencies:

I. Introduction
   A. Define the term  myth” and demonstrate how it is different than
the other classes of tales such as legend, saga, and folktale.
   B. Identify the major schools of myth interpretation that arose in the
late nineteenth and twentieth centuries.
   C. Describe the major historical periods of Greek history from the
Bronze Age Aegean to the rise of the Roman Empire.
   D. Identify the major literary sources for Classical Mythology.

II. The Myths of Creation
   A. Describe the two major myths of creation by Hesiod and Ovid.
   B. Identify the myths of Zeus’ rise to power, the establishment of
Olympian order, and the creation of mortals.
   C. Define the term "anthropomorphism" and describe the implications of
Humanism in Greek myth, religion, philosophy, and the visual arts.

III. The Olympian Gods
   A. Identify each of the Olympians gods, describe their general
attributes, and recognize the parallel stories associated with them.
   B. Identify the gods of the Mystery Religions and explain their new
expressions of mythic-religious sensibility.
   C. Identify at least 10 classical or post-classical (any combination)
works of art based on myths of the Olympian gods.
   D. Identify the literary sources from which our knowledge of the
Olympian gods comes.

IV. The Greek Sagas
   A. Identify the heroes and narrative structures of the Theban Saga.
   B. Identify the heroes and narrative structures of the Trojan Saga.
   C. Identify the heroes and narrative structures of the Returns Saga.
   D. Identify the heroes and narrative structures of the sagas of Argos.
   E. Identify the Heracles saga and describe its religious implications.
   F. Identify the heroes and narrative structures of the sagas of
Attica.
   G. Identify the heroes and narrative structures of the Argonautica.
   H. Identify at least 10 classical or post-classical (any combination)
works of art based on the Greek sagas.
   I. Identify the literary sources from which our knowledge of the Greek
sagas comes.

V. The Survival of Classical Mythology
   A. Identify the native Italian gods and describe their
non-anthropomorphic nature.
   B. Identify the heroes and narrative structures of the legends of the
founding of Rome.
   C. Identify the heroes and narrative structures of Virgil’s Aeneid.
   D. Identify at least 20 works of classical and post-classical art and
the myths upon when the works of art are based.
   E. Describe survival of Classical Mythology in literature, art, music,
and film by citing at least five examples of post-classical art (from the
20 required works of art described above) and identifying the myths upon
which the works of art are based.

Methods of Evaluation of Competencies:

Evaluation of student mastery of course competencies will be accomplished using the following methods:

 1. At least three examinations in either written or objective format:
25-50% of grade.
 2. At least one written assignment where the student goes to the
Nelson-Atkins museum in Kansas City, the Spencer Museum in Lawrence, or
any other major museum, to find examples of post-classical art based on
Greek and Roman myths: 20-35% of grade.
 3. At least one assignment, either written or class presentation, where
the student identifies classical and/or post-classical art and their
related Greek and Roman myths, and incorporating in some way Internet
technology in the written assignment or class presentation: 20-35% of
grade.
 4. Attendance, class participation, or any other written or class
exercises that the instructor assigns which fulfill any of the above
course objectives:  maximum 25% of grade.

  The following grade scale will be used to determine final grades:

    90-100% = A
     80-89% = B
     70-79% = C
     60-69% = D
  Below 59% = F

Caveats: NONE

Disabilities:

If you are a student with a disability, and if you will be requesting accommodations, it is your responsibility to contact Access Services. Access Services will recommend any appropriate accommodations to your professor and his/her director. The professor and director will identify for you which accommodations will be arranged.

JCCC provides a range of services to allow persons with disabilities to participate in educational programs and activities. If you desire support services, contact the office of Access Services for Students With Disabilities (913) 469-8500, ext. 3521 or TDD (913) 469-3885. The Access Services office is located in the Success Center on the second floor of the Student Center.