CLAS 2032 - Classical Mythology II

North Terrace Campus - Semester 1 - 2021

This course explores what myths are and which methods of interpretation can assist in trying to understand them better: myths are ways to grapple with life's mysteries and problems by telling stories. The course provides insight into the definition of myth, the changing role of myth and mythical thought in Greek and Roman society, but also how myth operates today. In addition, it offers an opportunity to apply modern theories (e.g. the structuralism of Levy-Strauss; Jung's archetypes) to ancient myths. Mythic themes include Creation myths (cosmology), heroes, Centaurs and Amazons, monsters, the labyrinth and the underworld. Myth in film will also be covered.

  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code CLAS 2032
    Course Classical Mythology II
    Coordinating Unit Classics, Archaeology and Ancient History
    Term Semester 1
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Prerequisites At least 12 units of Level I undergraduate study
    Incompatible CLAS 2004 or CLAS 3004
    Course Description This course explores what myths are and which methods of interpretation can assist in trying to understand them better: myths are ways to grapple with life's mysteries and problems by telling stories. The course provides insight into the definition of myth, the changing role of myth and mythical thought in Greek and Roman society, but also how myth operates today. In addition, it offers an opportunity to apply modern theories (e.g. the structuralism of Levy-Strauss; Jung's archetypes) to ancient myths. Mythic themes include Creation myths (cosmology), heroes, Centaurs and Amazons, monsters, the labyrinth and the underworld. Myth in film will also be covered.
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Jacqueline Clarke

    Dr Jacqueline Clarke (Course Coordinator)

    Professor Han Baltussen


    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    At the successful completion of the course, students will be able to:

    1. Appreciate the nature and the value of myth
    2. Understand theoretical approaches to myth
    3. Evaluate and explain the ways in which Classical myth functioned within Ancient Greek and Roman society and contributed to their social structures and ways of thought
    4. Compare Classical mythological narratives with the mythological narratives of other cultures and identify Classical mythological archetypes and mythological ways of thinking within modern day society
    5. Analyse, evaluate and compare ancient (’primary’) literary evidence and modern (‘secondary’) theories and reconstructions, both on myths and on literature
    6. Explore, articulate and debate their views in small-groups, demonstrating respect for others’ viewpoints
    7. Deliver coherently and logically argued written material which has a scholarly approach to analysis and presentation of ideas
    8. Employ learning technologies relevant to the University’s learning environment
































    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Deep discipline knowledge
    • informed and infused by cutting edge research, scaffolded throughout their program of studies
    • acquired from personal interaction with research active educators, from year 1
    • accredited or validated against national or international standards (for relevant programs)
    1, 2, 3
    Critical thinking and problem solving
    • steeped in research methods and rigor
    • based on empirical evidence and the scientific approach to knowledge development
    • demonstrated through appropriate and relevant assessment
    3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8
    Teamwork and communication skills
    • developed from, with, and via the SGDE
    • honed through assessment and practice throughout the program of studies
    • encouraged and valued in all aspects of learning
    6, 7
    Intercultural and ethical competency
    • adept at operating in other cultures
    • comfortable with different nationalities and social contexts
    • able to determine and contribute to desirable social outcomes
    • demonstrated by study abroad or with an understanding of indigenous knowledges
    4
    Self-awareness and emotional intelligence
    • a capacity for self-reflection and a willingness to engage in self-appraisal
    • open to objective and constructive feedback from supervisors and peers
    • able to negotiate difficult social situations, defuse conflict and engage positively in purposeful debate
    6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Anthology of Classical Myth: Primary Sources in Translation 2nd edition edited and featuring new translations by Trzaskoma, Smith and Brunet (Hackett, Indianapolis, 2016)
    Recommended Resources

    Good general introductions to Classical myth can be found in pp. 3-41 of Stephen L. Harris and Gloria Platzner: Classical Mythology: Images and Insights (Mountain View, Calif. 1995) and pp. 1-51 of William Hansen: Classical Mythology (Oxford 2004).

    If you are not very familiar with Classical myth also try Classical Mythology: A Very Short Introduction by H. Morales (Oxford, 2007) and/or Classical Mythology: The Basics by R. Martin (Oxford and New York, 2016). These are both available as ebooks via the library website.
    Online Learning
    The powerpoints and recordings of lectures with be placed on MyUni.


    Most of the reading material for each tutorial will be placed on MyUni or information will be provided on how to access it.

    The tutorial summaries and tutorial essays will be submitted and marked online.

    Students are expected to consult the announcements board at least twice a week and must closely read all emails sent via MyUni.

    Guidelines to formatting footnotes and bibliography are placed upon MyUni. Students are expected to read and consult these.
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    The format of the course consists of two lectures per week supported by problem solving tutorials which develop topics covered in the lectures.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    1 x 2 hour lecture per week 24 hours  per semester
    1 x 1 hour tutorial per week (or equivalent) 12 hours per semester
    5 hours reading per week 60 hours per semester
    4 hours written work per week 48 hours per semester
    1 hour revision per week 12 hours per semester
    TOTAL WORKLOAD 156 hours per semester
    Learning Activities Summary
    Besides the lectures, the learning activities are largely centred around the tutorials which involve close reading of and discussion of a number of ancient texts and/or text excerpts that feature Classical myths and mythological figures. Topics include creation myths, studies of various deities such as Zeus, Prometheus, Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite, various heroic figures such as Heracles and Theseus and mythical monsters such as Medusa and the Minotaur. Mythic depictions in art and film will also be explored.

    Specific Course Requirements
    In order to facilitate discussion, students are expected to bring the relevant primary source texts or text excerpts to each tutorial.
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    Many tutorials will contain an element of small group discovery (for instance group analysis and application of mythic theories, analysis and evaluation of mythic archetypes and stories). Some lectures may also experiment with small group discovery activities; for instance, the lecture on Myth in Art.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Weighting Graduate Attributes
    1400 word essay Formative and summative 20% 1-8
    1400 word essay Formative and summative 20% 1-7
    Tutorial summaries of 250 words each Formative and summative 20% 1-8
    Exam or a 2500 word academic journal Largely summative
    (can also be formative as feedback is available on request)
    40% 1-7, 8 (for academic journal)
    Assessment Related Requirements

    Students are expected to attend the lectures and tutorials.
     

    Students are required to read the primary sources and primary source excerpts for all the tutorials in preparation for the discussion that will occur. They are also required to bring the relevant primary sources or primary source excerpts to the seminars to refer to them during the discussion.

    For the academic journals and seminar essays, students are expected to follow the guidelines to footnotes and bibliographies set out on MyUni.

    Assessment Detail
    1400 word essay 1: students submit a seminar essay chosen from the topics in the first half of the
    course.

    1400 word essay 2: students submit a seminar essay chosen from the topics in the second half of the course.

    The tutorial summaries cannot be on seminars for which a paper is submitted. They must be submitted within 48 hours of the seminar.

    Academic Journal: This should be a weekly record of students' personal reflection on the material they encounter, through their
    reading and in other ways, and the issues they raise. There should be evidence that they (a) have read the texts and what is in the reader (but they should also reflect on works not contained therein which they have found themselves) and (b) there should be some sign of an evolution and deepening of thoughtabout myths and the roles which they play in ancient literature as thesemester proceeds.

    Exam: covers all aspects of the course.
    Submission
    The essays and tutorial summaries are to be submitted online via MyUni. the essays must be submitted before the tutorial on that topic is held, the summaries within 48 hours of the tutorial.
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.