Mediterranean Mythologies

Timetable

Module aim (aims)

Introducing theories of myth that illuminate understanding of Egyptian, Greek and Roman mythical worldview

Showing interrelation and development of Egyptian, Greek and Roman mythology within the context of history of ideas

Showing the relevance of Egyptian and Classical mythology in European culture

Introducing relevant subject literature and teaching students how to use and interpret it

Preparing students to use Egyptian, Greek and Roman literature in order to show the diversity of myths in the context of their plot (version) and meaning

Getting to know the most important works of Greek and Roman literature forming the basis of myth's functioning

Teaching students to use the content-rich dictionaries of Greek, Roman and Egyptian mythology

Pre-requisites in terms of knowledge, skills and social competences (where relevant)

Syllabus

Interpretation and Definition of Classical and Egyptian Mythology

 

Introduction to the culture of Ancient Egypt and their mythology

 

The Most Important Ancient Sources for Classical Mythology: Homer, Hesiod, Ovid, Vergil.

 

Myths of Creation. The Twelve Olympians. Heroic Myths. The Trojan Saga and the Iliad. The Returns and the Odyssey

 

The Nature of Roman Mythology

 

Classical Mythology in Literature, Art, Music, Dance and Film

Reading list

Obligatory

1. K. Kerenyi. The Religion of the Greeks and Romans. E. P. Dutton & Co., INC. 1962.
2. J. Naydler. The Temple of Cosmos: The Ancient Egyptian Experience of the Sacred. Inner Traditions. 1996.
3. J. Naydler. The Future of the Ancient World, Essays on the History of Consciousness. Inner Traditions. 2009.
4. W. Otto. Homeric Gods: Spiritual Significance of Greek Religion. Thames and Hudson. 1954

Optional

1. M. Morford, R.J. Lenardon, M. Sham, Classical Mythology, Oxford University Press. 2010.
2. R. Graves, The Greek Myths, Viking 2011.
3. G. Pinch, Egyptian Mythology: A Guide to the Gods, Goddesses, and Traditions of Ancient Egypt, Oxford University Press. 2004.
4. The Cambridge Companion to Greek Mythology, edited by Roger D. Woodard, Cambridge University Press. 2007.