Greek Mythology

CLAS 203
Dr. François Gauthier
McGill University
Summer 2018

Course schedule: Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, 12:05 - 2:25 PM

Course location: Burnside Hall 1B36
Email: <francois.gauthier3@mcgill.ca>
Office hours: Leacock 822A Friday, 4:00 - 5:00 PM or by appointment

Course Description: The Myths of the Ancient Greeks have excited the imagination of
generations through the ages. The tales of gods, heroes, and monsters have inspired many
writers and artists throughout history. The purpose of the course is to offer a survey of the
religious landscape of the Greeks and to enquire about the nature and purpose of Greek
myth in the ancient world. From the fabulous tales of Homer to the stories of Herodotus,
Greek myths have endured and evolved over time and space. Their appropriation by the
Romans gave them a second life that continued until the end of Antiquity.

Course objectives: The objective of this class is to make students reflect on the nature of
myth as a way to better understand ancient Greek mentality. At the end of the course
students will be expected to have a clear understanding of the multifaceted aspect of
Classical myth and its legacy.

Required Text
Morford, M. P. O., Lenardon, R. J. & Sham, M. Classical Mythology, Oxford University
Press, tenth edition, (available at Paragraphe Bookstore, 2220 Avenue McGill College).

Evaluation
First Test 20%
Second Test 20%
Midterm 30%
Final Examination 30%

In accordance with University policy, all written work may be submitted in either French
or English.

Conformément au règlement de l’Université, tout travail écrit peut être remis en français
ou en anglais.

Please note that extensions, postponements, and resits shall not be granted for any
assignment whatsoever. They shall only be considered upon presentation of valid

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evidence within ten working days of the deadline. For absences longer than ten working
days, special arrangements should be made with the instructor.

Academic Integrity
McGill University values academic integrity. Therefore all students must understand the
meaning and consequences of cheating, plagiarism and other academic offences under the
Code of Student Conduct and Disciplinary Procedures.
(See <http://www.mcgill.ca/integrity> for more information).

L'Université McGill attache une haute importance à l’honnêteté académique. Il incombe

par conséquent à tous les étudiants de comprendre ce que l'on entend par tricherie, plagiat
et autres infractions, ainsi que les conséquences que peuvent avoir de telles actions, selon
le Code de conduite de l'étudiant et des procédures disciplinaires.
Pour de plus amples renseignements : <http://www.mcgill.ca/integrity>

Schedules of Lectures and Accompanying Readings

Week 1:
-Monday June 4: Introduction: The Nature of Greek Myth.
Readings: Classical Mythology, pp. 3-26.
-Tuesday June 5: Historical Overview: The Greek World
Readings: Harrison, T. ‘The Greeks’ in A. Erskine (ed.), A Companion to Ancient
History, 213-221.
-Wednesday June 6: Foundation Myths.
Readings: Classical Mythology, pp. 61-80, 84-105.
-Thursday June 7: Meet the Olympians: Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Hades, Demeter, Hestia.
Readings: Classical Mythology, pp. 117-124, 168-176, 359-384, 339-356.

Week 2:
-Monday June 11: Athena, Artemis, Ares, Aphrodite.
Readings: Classical Mythology, pp. 179-190, 227-237, 133-4, 193-197.
-Tuesday June 12: Apollo, Dionysius, Hephaestus, Hermes.
Readings: Classical Mythology, pp. 251-274, 304-330, 127-133, 285-298.
-Wednesday June 13: Monsters and Heroes.
Readings: Classical Mythology, pp. 548-557; 562-583; 589-605.
-Thursday June 14: Test One 20%

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Week 3:
-Monday June 18: The Theban Saga.
Readings: Classical Mythology, pp. 407-440.
-Tuesday June 19: The Mycenaean Saga.
Readings: Classical Mythology, pp. 445-455.
-Wednesday June 20: Homer and the Trojan War.
Readings: Classical Mythology, pp. 475-509.
-Thursday June 21: Midterm 30%

Week 4:
-Monday 25: Holiday – No Class
-Tuesday June 26: The Journey of Odysseus.
Readings: Classical Mythology, pp. 525-544.
-Wednesday June 27: Myth and Religion in Ancient Greece.
Readings: Classical Mythology, pp. 155-164.
-Thursday June 28: Test Two 20%

Week 5:
-Monday July 2: Holiday – No Class
-Tuesday July 3: Myth and Public Life in Ancient Greece
-Wednesday July 4: The End of the Classical World and the Legacy of Greek Myth.
-Thursday July 5: Final Examination in Class 30%