Classical Mythology (Online)

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2016:

170 hours

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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 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.

This subject requires students to access reading and lecture materials online and to participate in regular online seminars.

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.

Written work totalling 4000 words comprising of:

• A 750 word document analysis due in week 27 (15%)
• A 1750 word research essay due in week 29 (40%)
• A 1500 word take home exam due in week 31 (35%)
• Online quizzes due throughout the teaching period (10%)

Hurdle requirement:

• Students must participate in no fewer than 10 of 14 online seminars.
• Students must complete a minimum of 6 online quizzes.
• All pieces of written work (document analysis, research essay and take home exam) must be submitted to pass this subject.

Subject readings will be available on-line and extensive use of other on-line resources will be made.

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

• Bachelor of Biomedicine
• Bachelor of Commerce
• Bachelor of Environments
• Bachelor of Music
• Bachelor of Science

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.