Do you know who the Titans were in Greek and Roman mythology? What about the most important monsters, heroes, and star-myths and their function in Greek society? You will not only be introduced to ancient Greek mythological figures but additionally to the entire mythological structure of the Greek pantheon, reaching much beyond the limits of the Olympians. We discuss topics like the Underworld and Cosmogony, the function of Fate and philosophy in ancient Greek society. An introduction to scholarship on approaches to mythology will inform the analysis of myth in its ancient setting. The curriculum is designed to introduce you to a working repertoire of a large corpus of ancient (mainly Greek) mythology and to its meanings and functions within its original context (texts and society). We will delve into a selection of case-study myths (represented in literature and/or iconography), which will demonstrate, test, and argue the potential meanings and social functions of myth in general. Our discussions will also consider the cognitive impact of mythology and the ways in which it structured the ancient Greek cosmos and ancient understanding of the world.
Lecture - 16 hours
Seminar - 16 hours
Summer
Main Assessment Methods:
Written
1,000-word Article Critique. Assessment Details: Choose a journal article or chapter on any topic of Greek mythology and write a critique on the ideas presented using key interpretative concepts introduced in class (40%).
1,500-word Essay. Assessment Details: Written essay using primary and secondary material to analyse and discuss a specific interpretative question (60%).
Reassessment Method:
Single instrument 100% written assessment (1,500 words)
The University is committed to ensuring that core reading materials are in accessible electronic format in line with the Kent Inclusive Practices. The most up to date reading list for each module can be found on the university's reading list pages: https://kent.rl.talis.com/index.html
On successfully completing the module, students will be able to:
1. Understand key aspects of ancient Greek mythology, including coherent and detailed knowledge of specific myths and mythical figures.
2. Use established techniques of analysis and enquiry within the study of ancient Greek myth, including approaches and material from ancient written sources, supplemented by archaeological material (e.g. iconography, sculpture).
3. Evaluate arguments, data, interpretations, and concepts, in order to have an informed opinion on the impact of ancient Greek mythology in society.
4. Communicate information, ideas, problems, and solutions to both specialist and non-specialist audiences on the topic of ancient Greek myth in general but also on a number of specific mythical narratives and figures.
5. Present and evaluate the limits of current knowledge on the topic of Greek Mythology as a whole and in relation to specific stories, and the impact of this on scholarly analyses and interpretations.
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