Information Package
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Program of American Culture and Literature (English)

ACL116

CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGY

Course Code
ACL116
Semester
Second Term (Spring)
Theory+Practice
3 + 0
ECTS
5
Course TypeCompulsory Course
Course LevelBachelor's Degree
Year of Study1
SemesterSecond Term (Spring)
ECTS5
Name of Lecturer(s)
Learning Outcomes

At the end of this course, the students;

  1. Analyze myths by applying various theoretical approaches used in the study of mythology.
  2. Discuss Greek and Roman myths by drawing on a contextual, formal, and thematic comparison.
  3. Evaluate the influence of myths in the construction of broader concepts including race, gender, and civil rights.
Mode of DeliveryFace to face
PrerequisitesNo
Recommended Optional Programme Components
Course DescriptionThis course aims to introduce students to the origins and characteristics of myths, with particular emphasis on Classical mythology as a major influence on Western literatures through a selection of texts written by Ancient Greek and Roman authors.
Course Contents
WEEK TOPICS
1st Week INTRODUCTION to the course
2nd Week Introduction to Myth, Mythology, and its Relation to Literature, Brief History of the Classical World, Ancient Greek Civilization, Cultural Context of Greek Mythology
3rd Week Ways of Interpreting myths, Creation Myths, HESIOD, Theogony- The Creation of the Titans and the Gods
4th Week The creation of the humankind, The Age of Man, HESIOD, The Works and Days
5th Week The creation of lifecycle and seasons, HOMER, The Homeric Hymns- Demeter and Persephone
6th Week Olympian Gods and Goddesses, Thematic Overview of Deities and Critical Reading of Olympians
7th Week The Underworld- Hades, Death and Geography of the Underworld, VIRGIL, Georgics- Orpheus and Eurydice, Punishments in the Underworld: Tantalus, Sisyphus and Ixion
8th Week Midterm Exam 1
9th Week Heracles and His 12 Labors, Theory: Hero's Journey, APOLLODORUS, The Library- The Labors and Death of Heracles
10th Week Major Myths and their Retellings 1, Prometheus, Pandora and Icarus, Modern adaptations and interpretations in poetry and arts
11th Week Major Myths and their Retellings 2, Sisyphus, Albert Camus, The Myth of Sisyphus, Modern adaptations and interpretations in philosophy and cinema
12th Week Major Myths and their Retellings 3, Narcissus, Hyacinth and Adonis, Eros and Psyche, Modern adaptations and interpretations in arts, psychology and poetry
13th Week Midterm Exam 2
14th Week Selections from Homer's The Iliad
15th Week KURBAN BAYRAMI- NO CLASS
16th Week Selections from Homer's The Odyssey
Recommended or Required ReadingBolton, Lesley. The Everything Classical Mythology Book: Greek and Roman Gods, Goddesses, Heroes, and Monsters from Ares to Zeus, Adams Media Corporation, 2002.
Colakis, Marianthe and Mary Joan Masello. Classical Mythology and More: A Reader Workbook, Bolchazy-Carducci Publishers, 2007.
Harris, Stephen L. and Gloria Platzner. Classical Mythology: Images and Insights, Mayfield, 1995.
Homer. The Odyssey, Trans. E. V. Rieu, Penguin, 2003.
Morford, Mark P.O. and Robert J. Lenardon. Classical Mythology. 5th edition, Longman, 1995.
Osborn, Kevin and Dana L. Burgess. The Complete Idiot?s Guide to Classical Mythology, Alpha Books, 1998.
Rosenberg, Donna. World Mythology: An Anthology of the Great Myths and Epics. 2nd edition, NTC, 1995.
Planned Learning Activities and Teaching Methods
  • Lecture
  • Discussion
Assessment Methods and Criteria
Quantity Percentage (%)
Mid-term 2 60
Total(%) 60
Contribution of In-term Studies to Overall Grade(%) 60
Contribution of Final Examination to Overall Grade(%) 40
Total(%) 100
ECTS Allocated Based on Student Workload
Activities Quantity Duration (Hour) Total Workload (Hour)
Midterm exam 1 2 2
Preparation for Quiz
Individual or group work 14 3 42
Preparation for Final exam 1 20 20
Course hours 14 3 42
Preparation for Midterm exam 1 20 20
Laboratory (including preparation)
Final exam 1 2 2
Homework 3 6 18
Article Presentation 1 4 4
Total Work Load150
Total Work Load / 30 (h)5
ECTS Credit of the Course5
Language of InstructionEnglish
Work Placement(s)No

Programme Qualifications / Learning Outcomes

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