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CLA204H5S:

Introduction to Classical Mythology

Winter 2015

Thursdays, 5:00-7:00pm

DV 2072

Dr. Lisa Trentin

[ lisa.trentin@utoronto.ca ]
O/H: Wednesdays, 1-3pm

Twitter @DrLisaTrentin
UTM Library

Course Description:
This course will introduce students to the most significant myths of the ancient Greeks and Romans and
the various methods by which these myths are interpreted. We will investigate not only the primary
literary sources that recount these myths, but also their representation on a variety of visual media (e.g.
pots, wall paintings, mosaics, architectural sculpture, etc.). In some instances, we will also examine the
archaeological excavations that have been used to nuance our understanding of the mythology. Students
will think critically about the function of ancient myths and their popular appeal, from antiquity through
to the 21st century, and will evaluate the continued influence of Classical mythology on Western culture,
especially in art and literature.
Learning Outcomes:
Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be able to:

identify and describe the key figures, terms, and topics of Classical mythology;
identify and discuss mythical motifs in art, literature and other media;
identify, describe and discuss the various approaches to the interpretation of myths;
discuss the legacy of Graeco-Roman myths in the modern world;
critically evaluate (gather, review and interpret) both primary and secondary evidence;
discuss current issues orally with coherent and logical arguments, clearly and correctly expressed.

Required Textbook:
Powell, B. (2012) Classical Mythology. Upper Saddle River Publ. 8th Edition. (This is a new edition!)
Recommended Textbook:
Trzaskoma, S. et al. (2004) Anthology Of Classical Myth: Primary Sources in Translation. Hackett Publ.
* Used textbooks are allowed in this course, so long as they are current editions. Check with the UTM
Bookstore for used copies from last year and, for those experiencing financial difficulties, renting
textbooks. All readings must be completed prior to class.

Lecture Schedule:
Week 1
JAN 8

Introduction: What is Myth?

Syllabus; introduction; definitions; geographical and historical contexts of myth.
Powell pp. 1-76; Trzaskoma, pp. xvi-xxxii.

Week 2
JAN 15

Etiological / Creation Myths: In the Beginning there was

Origins of the gods and mortals; Hesiods Theogany and Works and Days.
Powell, pp. 77-133; Trzaskoma, Hesiod; Apollodorus A, B, D, E.

Week 3
JAN 22

Meet the Olympians: Dysfunctional Families

Zeus and Hera; Zeus and Ganymede; Zeus and his brothers: Poseidon & Hades.
Powell, 134-156; Trzaskoma, Homeric Hymns to Zeus, Poseidon, Hades.

Week 4
JAN 29

Gods and Goddesses of Olympus

Apollo, Hephaestus, Aphrodite and her mortal lovers; Athena and Athens.
Powell, pp. 157-229; Trzaskoma, Archilochus; Homeric Hymns to Hermes,
Apollo; Homeric Hymns to Hestia, Hera, Aphrodite; Callimachus, Athena.

Week 5
FEB 5

The Life-Death Cycle: Myths of Regeneration and Death

Demeter; Dionysus; Hades; Orpheus/Eurydice; Death and burial in ancient Greece.
Powell, pp. 230-323; Trzaskoma, Homeric Hymns to Demeter, Dionysos;
Plato, Myth of Er.

Week 6
FEB 12

Heroes and Heroism: From Zero to Hero I

Perseus, the Argo and the Gorgon; Heracles; Sophrosyne.
Powell, pp. 339-397; Trzaskoma, Pherycydes; Apollodorus J, K.

FEB 19

**** NO CLASS****

Week 7
FEB 26

Heroes and Heroism: From Zero to Hero II

Theseus life, labours and death; Ariadne; Evans excavations on Crete.
Powell, pp. 398-453; Trzaskoma, Apollodorus L, N; Plutarch (Life of Theseus).

Week 8
MARCH 5

Heroes and Heroism: From Hero to Zero I

Sophocles; Oedipus, Antigone; myth, tragedy and democratic ideology.
Powell, pp. 454-481; Hyginus.

Week 9
MARCH 12

Heroes and Heroism: From Hero to Zero II

Jason and Medea; Hubris, Hamartia and Miasma
Powell, pp. 482-516; Trzaskoma, Appollodorus G; Hyginus, Ovid (Medea).

Week 10
MARCH 19

The Trojan War and Epic Cycle

Homer and the legend of Troy; the Iliad, Odyssey; Schliemanns excavations.
Powell, pp. 517-607; Trzaskoma, Proclus, Chrestomatheia (selections Epic Cycle).

Week 11
MARCH 26

Term Test (in class, 1 hour, 30 minutes, cumulative: weeks 1-10)

Week 12
APRIL 2

The Legendary Founding of Rome

Livys History of Rome; Romulus, Remus; Rape of Sabines; Carandinis excavations.
Powell, pp. 608-658.

Reading Week

Assessment:
Assessment will be based on the following:
1) Participation

(15% of overall mark),

Students will be asked to complete a variety of activities to account for participation both in lectures and
tutorials. Attendance is absolutely necessary in order to receive marks.
Students must contribute to group discussions via Blackboard Discussion Board (=5%)
Attendance will be taken in every tutorial and will count towards your mark (=5%)
Students will be required to actively participate in tutorials. It is expected that you will contribute
to discussion by volunteering answers, asking relevant questions, and expressing your own opinion
in a manner that shows acquaintance with the material and the ability to read it critically. Ongoing
participation in the tutorials will count towards your mark (=5%)
There are 9 tutorials in total: please note that no tutorials are held in weeks 1, 11 and 12.
The schedule for tutorials is as follows:
Fridays
9:00-10:00
9:00-10:00
10:00-11:00
10:00-11:00
11:00-12:00
11:00-12:00
12:00-13:00
12:00-13:00

Location
IB 390
IB 385
DV 1142
CC 3150
IB 120
DV 2105 F
DV 2080
IB 345

2) Term Test

Tutorial
TUT 0101
TUT 0102
TUT 0103
TUT 0104
TUT 0105
TUT 0106
TUT 0107
TUT 0108

Attendance to tutorials is mandatory!

Questions regarding tutorials should be
directed to the TAs in the first instance, and
then Dr. Trentin, if needed.

(20% of overall mark),

The term test will take place in class on Thursday, March 26th, 2015. It will last 1 hour, 30 minutes and
is cumulative, covering (lecture and reading) material from weeks 1-10. It will consist of the following:
MISH-MASH:
multiple choice, true/false, fill-in-the-blanks, matching, listing, identifications.
There will be no make-up tests. If you miss the term test, because of a medical emergency only, you
must provide medical documentation and declare this on ROSI before the scheduled test; the weighted
total (20%) will be added to your final exam and your final exam will include a mish-mash section. If you
miss the term test for any other reason, you will receive a mark of zero.
Notice of Collection (of Medical Certificates)
The University of Toronto respects your privacy. The information on this form is collected pursuant to
section 2(14) of the University of Toronto Act, 1971. It is collected for the purpose of administering
accommodations for academic purposes based on medical grounds. The department will maintain a
record of all medical certificates received. At all times your information will be protected in accordance
with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act.

3) Primary Source Essay

(25% of overall mark),

Students will be required to submit a 2,000-word (typed in Arial or Times New Roman font, size 12, with
1.5 line spacing) Primary Source Essay on one of the topics below due on Thursday, February 26th,
2015. Essays must be submitted to Turnitin.com (password and user ID will be given in class) in Word
format, and Blackboard in PDF format, on the due date specified. Essays submitted after the due date will
be penalized with a deduction of 5% per day, up to 1 week; essays submitted after 1 week will not be
marked. If you are experiencing difficulties completing your essay, it is imperative that you see the TA
before the due date to negotiate accommodation, if deemed appropriate and necessary.
Students must submit a 1-2 page, point form Essay Outline (worth 5% of the total 25%) electronically via
Blackboard on Thursday, February 12, 2015 as part of the HS Heads Up! Writing Initiative project. You
will be given detailed feedback on your Essay Outline so as to help you complete the writing of your essay.
Essay Topics:
1. Were the Greek gods seen as benefactors of mankind, or our tormenters? Analyze at least three
myths in which a god/dess plays a significant role in relationship to the fate of wo/man. What
aspects are highlighted in these myths (e.g. suffering? sacrifice? etc.) Explain the importance of
this theme in Greek myth.
2. Choose three examples of father-son conflict in Greek myth, noting their similarities and
differences. What motivates the conflict? How often is a mother-figure involved? How is the
conflict resolved? Explain the importance of this theme in Greek myth.
3. Important mothers abound in Greek myth. Analyze the mother-figure in three myths in which such
a character (divine or mortal) plays a significant role. What aspects of motherhood are highlighted
in the myths? Do any of the myths seem to present a feminine perspective of society, distinct from
the patriarchal sorting of bad women from good ones? Explain the importance of this theme in
Greek myth.
Please note: These topics call for a broad understanding of a wide range of myths dealt with at various
points throughout the course. Make full use of the opportunity to demonstrate intelligently (and
relevantly) the breadth and depth of your knowledge of the myths and themes of this course. However,
DO NOT assume that the broad nature of the questions warrants vague and general answers; be very
specific with the evidence you marshal to make your points.
*Further information and detailed instructions will be given in class and in the tutorials, as well as posted
online via Blackboard.
Essay Strategy:
The best advice I can give you is:
START EARLY! You should plan your essay carefully, identifying what you see as the key points and
discussing them systematically, with constant reference to, and critical analysis of both primary and
secondary evidence.
The University of Toronto Mississauga has a number of excellent resources that you can (and should!) use
for your essay. Please consult the following:

UTM Library
The University of Toronto has one of the best research library systems in North America, and all of the
resources it offers are available to you. Even if a book is not located at the UTM library, you can request
that the item be brought here from any other library. The liaison librarian at UTM for Historical Studies is
Elaine Goettler. For further information, please visit the librarys website at: www.utm.utoronto.ca/library
The CLA204 Library Research Guide has been designed to introduce students to the vast resources related
to Classical mythology, as well as to assist you with your research essay. Students are strongly encouraged
to consult this valuable resource for their coursework and essay.
Academic Skills Centre
If you need assistance with effective writing skills, study skills, exam preparation, note taking or time
management, free workshops and advice are available from the Academic Skills Centre
(http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/asc/ ) on the 3rd floor of the Hazel McCallion Academic Learning Centre.
Academic Integrity
Students are expected to uphold the universitys high standards of academic integrity, which can be found
at http://www.utoronto.ca/academicintegrity/resourcesforstudents.html.
It is the students responsibility to understand and abide by the Universitys Code of Behaviour on
Academic Matters, available here: http://www.governingcouncil.utoronto.ca/policiies/behaveac.htm .
Plagiarism
Plagiarism is a serious academic offence!
The rules concerning plagiarism are covered in the UTM Calendar as are the rules for Academic Honesty
(see www.utm.utoronto.ca/regcal/) and the Code of Behaviour on Academic Matters
(http://www.utm.utoronto.ca/regcal/WEBGEN117.html). Read them thoroughly! In addition, see
http://www.utoronto.ca/writing/plagsep.html for tips on How Not To Plagiarise. It is your responsibility
to know and understand the rules regarding plagiarism.
Potential plagiarism offences include, but are not limited to:
Copying material word-for-word from a source and not placing the words within quotation marks
Lengthy and close paraphrasing of another persons work (i.e. extensive copying interspersed with
a few phrases or sentences of your own)
Submitting written work produced by someone else as if it were your own work (e.g. another
students term paper, a paper purchased from a term paper factory, materials or term papers
downloaded from the internet)
Handing in your own work in more than one course without the permission of the instructor
Making up sources or facts (lack of references)
Working in groups on assignments that are supposed to be individual work
Falsifying institutional documents required by the University, such as a doctors note
Turnitin.com
The University also has an official statement on the use of Turnitin.com:
Students will be required to submit their Primary Source Essay to Turnitin.com for review of textual
similarity and detection of possible plagiarism. In doing so, students allow their essays to be included as
source documents in the Turnitin.com reference database, where they will be used solely for the purpose
of detecting plagiarism. The terms that apply to the Universitys use of the Turnitin.com service are
described on the Turnitin.com website.

4) Final Examination

(40% of overall mark).

The final examination will last 3 hours and is cumulative, covering material (lectures and readings) from
weeks 1-12. It will consist of the following:
Identifications, short answer questions and long answer questions.
A Review Session for the final exam will be held during the April Exam Jam (date/time TBA). Students
must reserve the examination period of April 13-27, 2015. If you are considering registering for a special
examination or event, you should select a time outside the examination period.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Finally, some important information on
Course Information / Blackboard Announcement Page
Up-to-date information concerning the course will be posted on the Blackboard announcement page. In
order for you to receive this important information, you must check the announcement page regularly.
Contacting the Instructor and TAs
You may direct any questions or concerns about the course in the first instance via email and then, if
necessary, by making an appointment for consultation with either the instructor or TA. Questions
regarding the essay should be sent directly to the TAs at the emails listed on Blackboard.
Please ensure all emails are sent from your UTOR account, with the course code (CLA204H5S) included
in the subject line, and signed with your full name and student number. You can normally expect a
response within 48 hours.
Absence Reporting
If you are unable to attend a class or tutorial and you miss an assignment due date, you must declare your
absence on ROSI in order for any academic accommodation to be considered. It is also expected that you
will contact the instructor and/or TA before your absence with a brief explanation.
AccessAbility
Students with diverse learning styles and needs are welcome in this course. In particular, if you have a
disability/health consideration that may require accommodations, discuss this with the instructor and/or
the AccessAbility Resource Centre as soon as possible.