Course overview
This course explores the nature and function of Greek myths and which methods of interpretation can assist in understanding them better: myths were (and are) stories that allowed ancient peoples to grapple with life's mysteries and problems. The course provides insight into the definition of myth, the changing role of myth and mythical thought in Greek and Roman society, but also how myth operates today. In addition, the course applies modern psychological and anthropological theories (e.g. the structuralism of Levy-Strauss; Jung's archetypes) to ancient myths. Mythic themes include Creation myths, the Olympian gods, heroes, Centaurs and Amazons, monsters, the labyrinth and the underworld. As a template for modern film scripts, myth in film will also be explored.
Course learning outcomes
- Appreciate the nature and the value of myth
- Understand theoretical approaches to myth
- Evaluate and explain the ways in which Classical myth functioned within Ancient Greek and Roman society and contributed to their social structures and ways of thought
- Compare Classical mythological narratives with the mythological narratives of other cultures and identify Classical mythological archetypes and mythological ways of thinking within modern day society
- Analyse, evaluate and compare ancient ('primary') literary evidence and modern ('secondary') theories and reconstructions, both on myths and on literature
- Explore, articulate and debate their views in small-groups, demonstrating respect for others' viewpoints
- Deliver coherently and logically argued written material which has a scholarly approach to analysis and presentation of ideas
- Employ learning technologies relevant to the University's learning environment