College of Arts and Sciences Topics Curriculum

E103/0100 (3cr.) Myth and Meaning meets 1:25P-2:15P Monday and
Wednesday in WH 009

Through readings in classical and modern poetry, we will explore how
versions of myth cohere and contradict, how different societies adapt
myth to express their own meaning. While providing a general overview
of Classical mythology, the course will focus on several mythological
figures, including (but not limited to) Helen, Hercules, Leda,
Orpheus, Persephone. We will discuss myths about these figures with
the following questions in mind. What is the point of revisionist
myth-making? where does myth support traditional values and how can it
operate as a vehicle of change? Students will have an opportunity to
both analyze myths comparatively and to create their own modern
re-tellings of a myth.