There are three facets to this study: the stories themselves; the Greek, Roman, and subsequent contexts and the ways in which the stories have been presented; the various attempts in recent years to account for the enduring appeal of these myths. The ancient myths and legends as a form of history, their prevalence in art, the narrative techniques used, and some religious, philosophical and poetic dimensions will be addressed. While the primary focus is on the classical sources, the various interests and disciplinary backgrounds that members of the class may bring to the subject will be integral to the course.

By the end of semester students will have learned to:

• identify the elements of a myth and the different methodologies and approaches to classical mythology;
  
• speak with some authority on the myths under study;
  
• think critically and analytically about the cultural problems and issues illustrated by myths;
  
• write more effectively and critically.

Two hours of lectures per week for 12 weeks and one tutorial per week for 12 weeks

ANCH1012, ANCH2012 and CLAS1002

Aeschylus, Oresteia, (tr Lattimore); Ovid, Metamorphoses, (tr Humphries); Livy, The Early History of Rome, (tr De Selincourt ); and a brick (which includes Hesiod, Homeric Hymns, Euripides).

1,000 word tutorial paper (25%), 500 word comparison exercise (15%), 1,500 word essay (30%), test (20%) and tutorial participation (10%).