Classical Mythology

Subject ANCW20015 (2016)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2016.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

Semester 1, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 29-Feb-2016 to 29-May-2016
Assessment Period End 24-Jun-2016
Last date to Self-Enrol 11-Mar-2016
Census Date 31-Mar-2016
Last date to Withdraw without fail 06-May-2016


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: 38 hours: An 80 minute online lecture per week for 12 weeks and a 2-hour seminar per week for 12 weeks
Total Time Commitment:

170 hours

Prerequisites: None
Corequisites: None
Recommended Background Knowledge: None
Non Allowed Subjects:

Students who have passed the following subject are not permitted to enrol in ANCW20015

Subject
Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the Disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Student Support and Engagement Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Overview, Learning Outcomes, Assessment and Generic Skills sections of this entry.

It is University policy to take all reasonable steps to minimise the impact of disability upon academic study, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student's participation in the University's programs. Students who feel their disability may impact on meeting the requirements of this subject are encouraged to discuss this matter with a Faculty Student Adviser and Student Equity and Disability Support: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/disability

Coordinator

Assoc Prof Parshia Lee-Stecum

Contact

Email: ppls@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

This subject will focus on mythical narratives from the ancient Greek and Roman traditions. Students will explore some of the central patterns and themes in classical mythology. These include narratives of birth and creation, war and the warrior, fire and flood, animals, gods and humans. We will explore how these symbolic themes are incorporated into a diverse range of myths, including stories of the birth of the cosmos, Zeus's rule over the world, the foundation of cities and peoples, and hero myths in which men confront monsters. We will also be concerned with the story of Troy, which is the quintessential Greco-Roman myth, and the many classical tales of metamorphosis. We will engage directly with these narratives in the surviving literary sources (especially epic and drama), and in classical art, which is a major source for the Greek and Roman myths.

Learning Outcomes:

Students who successfully complete this subject should:

  • demonstrate detailed knowledge and understanding of ancient Greek and Roman mythical narratives and the primary sources for these narratives;
  • identify and critically analyse the central patterns and themes of classical mythology;
  • identify and articulate the relationships between classical myths and the social, religious, and political contexts of their production;
  • identify and critically engage with scholarship on classical mythology;
  • communicate interpretations of classical mythological narratives effectively, both orally and in writing;
  • approach all evidence about Greek and Roman mythical narratives and the societies which produced these narratives with intellectual honesty and a respect for ethical values;
  • work effectively, in groups and independently, to identify, discuss and critically analyse key issues in the interpretation of classical mythology.
Assessment:
  • A 750 document analysis due in week 5 (20%)
  • A 1750-word essay due in week 8 (40%)
  • A 1500 word take home exam due in the end of semester examination period (40%)

Hurdle requirement:

  • students must attend a minimum of 75% of tutorials in order to pass this subject.
  • All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Note: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day; after five working days, late assessment will not be marked. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked.

Prescribed Texts:

Subject readings will be available online

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Links to further information: http://shaps.unimelb.edu.au/classics-archaeology
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: Ancient Greek
Ancient World Studies
Ancient, Medieval and Early Modern Studies Major
Graduate Certificate in Arts - Classical Studies and Archaeology
Graduate Diploma in Arts - Classical Studies and Archaeology
Latin
Related Breadth Track(s): Ancient Civilizations B
Roman Studies
Ancient Greece Studies

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