Unit Overview

Description

Classical mythology has influenced artists, writers, and thinkers throughout history, and this unit offers an introduction to this expansive body of knowledge. Emphasis is laid on primary readings by ancient authors, which are set into their historical and cultural contexts by the lectures and tutorials. The first half of the course deals with Greek myths about their gods (noting some of their predecessors in the Near East). After discussion of certain ancient and modern responses to these myths, the second half of the course turns to Greek legend, focusing on the concept of the Greek hero. The final weeks of the unit are spent engaging with the premier repository of Greco-Roman mythology, Ovid's Metamorphoses, composed under the Roman emperor Augustus. Along the way, modern reinventions and adaptations of classical myth are discussed as appropriate.

Credit
6 points
Offering
(see Timetable)
AvailabilityLocationMode
Semester 1UWA (Perth)On-campus

The timetable for this teaching period is not currently available. Please see the Important Dates page for the timetable release date and other key date information.

Details for undergraduate courses
  • Level 1 option in the Classics and Ancient History major sequence
  • Level 1 elective
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate knowledge of the important details of the major myths of Greece and Rome; (2) demonstrate basic source criticism of the ancient literary and artistic representations of myth; and (3) show familiarity with certain influential theories of myth.

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) tutorial performance; (2) writing assignment; and (3) an end-of-semester examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Dr Tom Zanker and Dr Konstantine Panegyres
Unit rules
Incompatibility
CLAH1111 Myth: from Creation to Death
Contact hours
lectures: 2 hours per week (over 12 weeks)
tutorials: 1 hour per week (over 10 weeks)
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.