Classical Mythology (2025/2026: Periode 4)

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Cursusdoel

Understanding the significance of myths for societies worldwide. Knowledge and understanding of specifically Classical (Greco-Roman) mythological stories, their original function in Ancient religion, and their reception in later European culture and identity. Basic knowledge of the most important scientific theories and debates concerning the meaning of myth.

Vakinhoudelijk

Mythological stories are key aspects of all premodern cultures. They explain nature, give meaning to life, order society, and create identity. An important but understudied function of mythology is its relation to landscape: myths explain why certain places are sacred. Through the works of Classical authors such as Homer and most of all Ovid, Greek myths have moreover been of pivotal significance for the development of modern European culture(s). They are still omnipresent, in cinema, literature, fantasy, music, art and video games – but now on a global scale.

This course aims (1) to familiarize students with the canon of Classical (= Greek and Roman) Mythology and its reception in later periods, and (2) to help them understand the original uses and meanings of these often weird and cruel stories. The latter aspect means that a significant part of the course will be devoted to modern scientific attempts at explaining myth, especially in the context of ancient religious practices. and beliefs Emphasis will be placed on the association of myths and specific sacred places in the Greek landscape. But we will also learn about the functions of myth in societies worldwide, and about the fascinating connections between mythological stories and fairy tales.

Note that the course at present will be taught entirely in the form of lectures.

Weighing: assignments about the literature (30%), midterm exam (20%), final exam (50%).

Aanvullende informatie

Please note: the time slot shown here is not yet final and may still be modified until the 3rd Wednesday in September.

Werkvormen

Hoorcollege
Voorbereiding

Bestuderen van de opgegeven literatuur; maken van opdrachten n.a.v. deze lectuur.

Toetsing

Toets

Verplicht | Weging 90% | Minimum cijfer 6,0 | ECTS 6,75

Tussentoets

Verplicht | Weging 10% | Minimum cijfer 6,0 | ECTS 0,75

Ingangseisen en voorkennis

Ingangseisen

Er is geen informatie over verplichte ingangseisen bekend.

Voorkennis

Basic knowledge of the history of "western" art, literature, music and cinema.

Voertalen

  • Engels

Cursusmomenten

Gerelateerde studies

Thema's

Tentamens

Er is geen tentamenrooster beschikbaar voor deze cursus

Verplicht materiaal

  • BOEK
    Gustav Schwab. Gods, and Heroes: Myths and Epics of Ancient Greece. Penguin.
    You need to have a volume retelling the Greek myths. We recommend Gustav Schwab's Sagen des klassischen Altertums, translated into Dutch as Griekse mythen en sagen (Spectrum, ca. 23,--) and into English as Gods, and Heroes: Myths and Epics of Ancient Greece (Penguin, ca. 15,--). It is a bit old-fashioned, but it offers a "standard" selection of the best-known Greek myths in their canonized form. In addition to these retellings, we will study a selection of scholarly articles on ancient Greek mythology and religion; PDF's of these article will be made available on Blackboard.
    ISBN: 9780375714467

Aanbevolen materiaal

Er is geen informatie over de aanbevolen literatuur bekend

Coördinator

dr. R. Strootman R.Strootman@uu.nl

Docenten

K. Boers k.boers@uu.nl
dr. A.S. Bosanquet a.s.bosanquet@uu.nl

Inschrijving

Deze cursus is open voor bijvakkers. Controleer wel of er aanvullende ingangseisen gelden.

Inschrijving
Van maandag 3 november 2025 tot en met vrijdag 21 november 2025

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