Underworld and Afterlife

This subject is not offered in 2008.

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

This subject focuses on myths and rituals in antiquity dealing with the process of death and the passage to the afterlife. It draws on literary and material evidence from antiquity. Attention is also paid to the symbolism of death and rebirth, rites of passage, and Greek shamanism. The subject also focuses briefly on parallel themes of descent and the journey to the beyond in both Greek myth and in modern film. On completion of this subject students should have an understanding of the myths and rituals dealt with; have assessed critically the relevant literary and material evidence; and have shown an understanding of the major and scholarly approaches to the subject matter.

This subject is not available as a breadth subject.

• be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

• possess effective written communication skills;

• have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.