Our goals for the course are varied: 1. To learn the particulars of the principal greek deities and heroes, and their myths. 2. To understand that each telling of a myth occurs in a certain cultural and historical context and to think about myth in critical and analytical ways. 3. To learn how religion (and cult) shaped and structured the polis and its society, in time, space and behavior. The same principles of critical thinking will be applied to the analysis of civic and mystery religion and cult, in order to provide a broader understanding of the many implications and declinations of these phenomena in Greek society.
Course Prerequisites
It is advisable to take this class after Greek History and Greek Archaeology.
Teaching Methods
Lectures with powerpoint presentations.
Assessment Methods
PRESENTATION AND PAPER (30%). Each student will do research on a topic established with me during the first week. During the last week of the course, students will present their work to the class. After the course, each student will submit the paper on the topic at least one week before the final exam (8-10 pages; 12-point Times New Roman font, 1-inch margins, double-spaced, and proofread for mechanical and substantive elements). FINAL EXAM (50%). The final exam for this course will be an oral exam (according to unipv policies). Guidelines and format will be discussed during the last week of classes. CLASS ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION: 20%.
Texts
1. Esther Eidinow (ed.), Julia Kindt (ed.), The Oxford Handbook of Ancient Greek Religion (Oxford 2015) 2. Graf, F. Greek Mythology (Johns Hopkins 1993). 3. Bremmer, J. Greek Religion (Oxford 1994). 4. Sourvinou Inwood, Ch. What is Polis Religion? in O. Murray and S. Price (eds.) The Greek City: From Homer to Alexander (Oxford 1990), pp. 295-322. Additional readings will be provided during the course.
Contents
In this course, we will explore ancient Greek myth and religion from the Dark Ages to the early Hellenistic period, examining relevant literary and epigraphic evidence alongside the archaeology of sacred spaces. Particular emphasis will be placed on festivals and rituals within their socio-historical contexts. We will begin by defining myth and analyzing mythological narratives and iconographies of several gods and heroes, drawing on literary sources. The course will then turn to religion focusing on the relationship between religion and the city, as well as the regulations that codified religious practice. In addition, we will investigate selected case studies of cults in their contexts—such as sanctuaries, temples, and mystery religions.
Course Language
English
More information
Attending classes is highly recommended. Students unable to attend the course are required to arrange a different program with the teacher.
