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Home , Hermaphroditus, Twelve Olympians

CSU IP Italy Virtual International Program FALL 2020

HCL 302 CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGY AND RELIGION

Instructor: Prof. Beatrice Fabbri Email: [email protected] Class Schedule: Tuesday 10:30am - 11:30 am (Pacific Standard Time) Thursday: by appointment.

Office Hours: Friday, 9:30am-10:30 am (Pacific Standard time) and by appointment Class Location: Online via Zoom

“The love of wisdom begins in wonder” ()

COURSE DESCRIPTION

This course is designed to provide the students with a basic introduction to Classical Mythology. In this course, the students will read and study the main issues related to Gods/Goddesses, Heroes, Sagas in the Greek world. References to Etruscan, Roman, other Mediterranean Mythologies will be included as points of references. Enriched with the knowledge gleaned from the readings, students will be able to recognize and appreciate the many allusions and echoes from these in modern literature, painting, sculpture, music, dance and cinema. Some basic references to the historical background of Greek will enrich the comprehension and assimilation of the meaning of mythology in Western culture. The etymology itself of mythology recalls the exposition of "legendary lore, a telling of mythic legends; a legend, story, (from mythos "" + -logy "study). Actually, the Greek word mythos "speech, thought, story, myth, anything delivered by word of mouth," is of unknown origin. Greek Myths are stories about divine beings, generally arranged in a coherent system; they are revered as true and sacred. The etymology of Religion in the ancient world, refers to the latin root religio to be understood as an individual virtue of worship, never as doctrine, practice, or actual source of knowledge. All these issues were dealt with monotheism (Judeo-christian vision) opposed to (Eastern, Graeco-Roman visions). A thorough understanding of Greek, Middle-Eastern and reference to Roman mythology will enhance your appreciation and deepen our grasp of the world around us. The influence of on western art, music and literature can hardly be exagerated. The discourse on issues will play an important role during the course as it’s inside Classical Mythology we find the authentic definition of female and male gender queer/Lgbt identities, roles and stereotypes in contemporary western society. Engaging with ideas, debates,

Last updated on Sept. 10, 2020

and challenges of ancient societies offers valuable context and guidance for social concerns that are still with us today. Studying antiquity trains you in skills valuable in any career path or walk of life.

CSU GE CATEGORY C4 or C elective

GENERAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS

You are responsible for the weekly readings, the information given to you in class, on handouts and material uploaded mainly on Canvas . Part of your grade will be determined by regular attendance, participation in class discussions and active engagement in all activities of this course. Make sure to check Canvas on a regular basis for updates, handouts, announcements and all other additional information related to class.

REQUIRED TEXTS: Morford-Lenardon, Classical Mythology, Oxford, University Press, 2011 and following editions for this textbook are fine.

Hesiod, & , (West, M.L , transl.), London, Oxford World's (Paperback)

Ovid, (Raeburnm D., transl., Feeney, D., ed.), London, Penguin Classics.

Sophocles, The Three Theban Plays (Fagles, R. transl., Konx, R. ed.), London, Penguin Classics (Paperback any edition)

J.Campbell, The with thousand faces, New York, Harper & Row, 1990 M.Murdock, The Heroine’s journey New York: Springer, 2010. *Most of primary and secondary sources mentioned above (accordingly to copyright ), will be also uploaded and available on Canvas (links or pdf). **Additional readings, articles, web resources, selected bibliographies will be uploaded on Canvas and/or sent during the semester. Websites: These are very useful websites: Theoi Greek Mythology : https://www.theoi.com/ Internet Classics Archive: http://classics.mit.edu/index.html Digital Library: https://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper/

Last updated on Sept. 10, 2020

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Students will learn to: 1. To read and interpret myths and some of the ways they function in societies and cultures. 2. To read and interpret mythic metaphors symbols and analogies. 3. To compare and contrast significant characters, events, symbols, and actions (called motifs) in one story with similar events in another story; 4. To improve analytical, conceptual, connective writing skills;

LEARNING OUTCOMES

At the end of the semester students will be able to: 1. Grasp the significance of the main and most important features of Classical Mythology with an emphasis to Greek, Roman and Mediterranean Mythology. 2. Acquire competences know how to make connections, compare and contrast among apparently disparate forms of knowledge related to Classical Myths and basics of Greek & Religion (see, Archetypes and Rites and Rituals).

GENERAL COURSE REQUIREMENTS

• 2 Research or critical papers, 7-10 pages max (including bibliography). They will be based either on issues, themes discussed in class and/or of specific interest (Format paper: Chicago format style). • 2 Oral presentations as following: Mid-term oral presentation based on suggested topic submitted by the Instructor and/or accordingly to specific interest of student. Suggested topics list will be provided in advance by the Instructor. Final Oral presentation based on one or more of three Greek tragedies by () • Weekly written home assignments (see below some specifics).

I am willing to offer help and submit supplementary reading suggestions if needed to students majoring in Classics, Literature, Humanities, Social Science, Art Studio, Architecture to develop specific issues related to their field of study for their Oral presentation and/or midterm and final papers. The interdisciplinary approach to the discipline will surely enrich and enlarge knowledge and awareness of the Classical legacy and helps develop an appreciation for cultural difference essential in a global society. * Point 1: Students are asked to choose their topic or to discuss it with the Instructor in advance to due date in order to arrange and discuss the framework of it to enlarge the perspective with further readings and/or bibliography suggested by the Instructor. Schedule an appointment for a meeting on Zoom.

The due dates of these papers are marked on the calendar syllabus with a ®.

Some specifics on Course Requirements:

Last updated on Sept. 10, 2020

• 2 research or critical papers, 7-10 pages max. (including bibliography). Mid-term & Final paper: they will be based either on texts, themes read and discussed in class. In this sense, it is important to attend classes regularly and participate actively in class discussion. Nevertheless, if some of you wish to undertake research outside the suggested topics list but relating to Classical mythology topics and want to investigate more, make an appointment for a Zoom meeting so to brainstorm so that, I could provide suggestions and detailed bibliography if needed. • 2 Oral Presentations: lasts approx. 15 minutes and deals with the historical context of the works read in class. It should be educational and interesting for the other students. You are asked to use visual aid in your presentation, PPT. Simple reading from notes will not be accepted.(oral presentation schedule will be given early during the semester). • Home assignments (2 pag. max): During the semester, students will be evaluated also through weekly home assignments such as: reading questions, commentaries upon texts, parallel/comparison, reviews, quizzes. Home assignments are designed to train your critical reading and writing skills.

NOTE: I will be not able to give a passing grade to any student who does not complete ALL THE COURSE REQUIREMENTS AND HOME ASSIGNMENTS regardless of the percentage value of that assignment or to any student with 5 or more unexcused absences. Grades will be given in ten percentage increments, with students in the top 10% of the course receiving an A, the next 10% receiving a B, and so on.

GRADING SCALE Student performance has been outstanding and indicates an exceptional degree A 100-94 of academic achievement in meeting learning outcomes and course requirements A- 93-90 B+ 89-87 Student performance has been at a high level and indicates solid academic B 86-84 achievement in meeting learning outcomes and course requirements B- 83-80 C+ 79-77 Student performance has been adequate and indicates satisfactory academic C 76-74 achievement in meeting learning outcomes and course requirements C- 73-70 D+ 69-67 Student performance has been less than adequate and indicates deficiencies in D 66-64 meeting the learning outcomes and/or course requirements D- 63-60 Student performance has been unacceptable and indicates a failure to meet the F 59-0 learning outcomes and/or course requirements

IMPORTANT: Failure to complete all work assigned in the course could result in failure of the class.

Attendance: more than two unexcused absences will lower the grade – see below attendance policy for details).

Last updated on Sept. 10, 2020

GRADES/ EXAMS

Your grade will be determined by the following assignments: 2 Mid-term Oral Presentation and Final Oral Presentation 30% 2 Written Midterm Essay (1)- Final Essay (1): 35% Home assignments: 20% Attendance, extra-curricular activities, class participation: 15%

CLASS CODE OF CONDUCT

Activities unrelated to the course (including private conversations, emailing, text messaging, reading, web surfing, etc.) are not permitted during class time. Please turn off or put all electronic devices on silent mode prior to the beginning of the class.

ACADEMIC DISHONESTY WILL NOT BE TOLERATED

Any form of plagiarism or cheating may result in a failing final grade in the course and might be reported to IP and your campus. You are better off spending your time studying for the class. If you have questions about what constitutes academic dishonesty, please refer to the student handbook and catalog of your campus or ask the CSU Office of International Programs for more information.

STUDENTS WITH DISABILITIES

Upon identifying yourself to the instructor and the university, students with disabilities will receive reasonable accommodation for learning and evaluations. For more information, contact the CSU Office of International Programs.

COPYRIGHT AND PRIVACY LAWS

No portion of the texts, films, videos, and other material used in this course can be reproduced in any format including scanning, electronic downloading or sharing of files.

In addition, no portion of class lectures, discussions, and activities can be reproduced and used any format, including electronic, without the written consent of the instructor and/or guest speakers.

CHANGES

Information contained in this syllabus, including the class calendar, other than that mandated by the University, may be subject to change with advance notice, as deemed appropriate by the instructor.

Last updated on Sept. 10, 2020

ATTENDANCE POLICY Attendance to CSU online courses is mandatory. Two unexcused absences are allowed during the course but more than two unexcused absences will lower your grade (excused absences will be accepted for serious medical reasons or emergencies) as follows: 3 unexcused absences, lowers one letter grade; 4 unexcused absences, lowers two letter grades; 5 unexcused absences , lowers 3 letter grades. More than five unexcused absences could result in failure of the course.

In order not to disrupt the class, punctuality is required. Students are expected to be in class online, at the beginning of the class hour; any delay exceeding ten minutes will be considered an absence. During the academic year, material will be distributed mainly through Canvas by the instructor. Students who have not attended class are responsible for getting the material from their classmates or if possible, from Canvas. All assigned homework should be completed prior to the class. Professor is always available, by appointment and/or during office hours.

CLASSROOM SCHEDULE

Week 1: 09/22/2020 Definition and Interpretations of Mythology; Myth and Religion; the legacy of Greek Mythology in our lives. Historical background of Greek Mythology and religious rituals. The Myths of Creation: Presocratic philosophers, and ’s visions. Readings: Morford-Lenardon, Classical Mythology, chapt. 1; chapt.2, chapt.3. Handouts provided by the instructor on Canvas.

Week 2: 09/29/2020

The conception of Void and the Female Principle in Greek Mythology. Primordial and : From Ouranus to . The meaning of hierarchy and Sacred : focus on Zeus and and their children. Readings: Morford-Lenardon, chapt.3, chapt.5. Further handouts and/or material provided by the instructor on Canvas.

Last updated on Sept. 10, 2020

Week 3: 10/06/2020

Zeus, , : Male archetypes and brotherhood in Greek Mythology: characteristics, symbols, similarities and differences. Religious cults and/or sites (Olympia, ). Parallel/comparison with other Male Mediterranean and/or Roman Gods.

Readings: Morford, Lenardon, chapt. 5, chapt.7, chapt.15. Further handouts and/or material provided on Canvas by the Instructor.

Week 4: 10/13/2020

Aphrodite: Deconstructing the goddess of Beauty. Love in Greek Philosophy (). References to Near-eastern mythologies () and Roman () characteristics. Apuleius, Cupid & Psyche: the women underworld’s journey. Readings: Morford, Lenardon: chapt.9; Homeric Hymn to : https://uh.edu/~cldue/texts/aphrodite.html Plato, Symposium: Diotima’s ladder of love http://www.mesacc.edu/~davpy35701/text/plato- ladder.html Apuleius, The Golden Ass: Cupid and Psyche Book V browse here: https://www.poetryintranslation.com/PITBR/Latin/TheGoldenAssV.php Further handouts and/or material provided on Canvas by the Instructor.

Week 5: 10/20/2020 Virgin Goddesses: , , . Free-spirited women in Greek Mythology. References to women social condition and roles in Ancient Readings: Morford, Lenardon, chapt. 5 (pp.112-114) chapt.9, chapt. 10 M.Lefkovitz, Women in Greek Myth (1986): *chapters materials provided by instructor on Canvas.

Further handouts and/or material provided on Canvas by the Instructor.

Week 6: 10/27/2020 Mid-term Exam

→ Mid-term Paper due at this date; →Oral presentation held at this date

Last updated on Sept. 10, 2020

Week 7: 11/03/2020 & : beauty and ambiguity. The birth of : . Apollo’s love affairs. Hermes and his nature: the divine messenger. Hermes’s affair with Aphrodite: the birth of . LGBT themes in Greek Mythology. Readings: Morford Lenardon, Chapt.11 (Apollo); chapt.12 (Hermes) Further handouts and/or material provided by the instructor on Canvas.

Week 8: 11/10/2020

Dionysus: the god of ecstasy whose cult promised individual salvation. Reference to F.Nietzsche, the Birth of tragedy (1886): the Dionysian essence. Rituals and in and Mediterranean area. Readings: : Morford Lenardon, chapt.13; , Bacchae (opening, 1-63; welcomes the new god, 170-313) browse here: http://classics.mit.edu/Euripides/bacchan.html F.Nietzsche, The Birth of Tragedy, (excerpts): material provided by the Instructor on Canvas. Further handouts and/or material provided by the instructor on Canvas.

Week 9: 11/17/2020 and : the myth of fertility and the archetype of motherhood. Rites of passage and religious cults. in Greek and Roman mythologies. The realm of Hades, and between Greek and Roman mythology. Readings: Morford Lenardon, chapt.14, chapt. 15 and chapt 16. Further handouts and/or material provided by the Instructor on Canvas.

Week 10: 11/24/2020 What is a Greek Hero? Joseph Campbell, The Hero’s journey: the 12 stages of a hero’s journey. Greek Heroes: Perseus and the : the teenage Hero. and the twelve labours: under the spell of Hera. Heracles as a God for the Roman Mythology.

Readings: Morford-Lenardon, Perseus: chapt.21; Heracles: chapt.22; J.Campbell, The Hero with thousand faces (selected readings) Further handouts and/or material provided by the Instructor on Canvas.

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Week 11: 12/01/2020 Heroines in Greek Mythology: Medea, , Antigone. Theban Saga, Sophocles’ dramas ( the King, Oedipus at Colonus, Antigone). The Freudian interpretation. Readings: Morford-Lenardon chapt. 23: pp.623-639. Euripides, Medea: http://classics.mit.edu/Euripides/medea.html Cassandra in: , XXIV 697-706: https://www.poetryintranslation.com/PITBR/Greek/Iliad24.php#anchor_Toc239246520 Antigone: chapt. 17, pp.415-418, pp.425-430. Oedipus at Colonus: http://classics.mit.edu/Sophocles/colonus.html; Antigone: http://classics.mit.edu/Sophocles/antigone.html Further handouts and/or material provided by the Instructor on Canvas.

Week 12: 12/08/2020 Immaculate Conception - NO CLASS ONLINE TODAY, Italian Holiday Make-up class: Friday, 12/11/2020, 9:30am – 10:30am (PST California)/ 6:30pm-7:30pm (Italy) The Returns: and the birth of the modern wanderer. The theme of Nostos. Readings: Morford, Lenardon: chapt.20. Further handouts and/or material provided by the Instructor on Canvas.

13 Week: 12/15/2020 Final exams →Final Paper due at this date →Final Oral presentation on Theban Plays held at this date.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES:

The purpose of extra-curricular activities is designed to enlarge and to summarize the framework of theoretical reflections upon the role of Classical Mythology in Western History and to envision how recurrent and popular is the reference to its archetypes in each form of culture. Extra- curricular activities could include virtual sites tours to some European and/or Italian Museums with major collections of Greek and Roman antiquities and/or movie nights (documentaries and/or movies based on Classical Mythology).

Last updated on Sept. 10, 2020