The Trojan War and the World of Homer

Timetable

Module aim (aims)

The myth and heroes of the Trojan War, the rage of Achilles and the resourcefulness of Odysseus continue to fascinate and inspire scholars and artists. In this course we will examine the origins of Ancient Greek culture in the Bronze Age, the archaeological search for the cities of Troy and Mycenae, the 8^th century BC world reflected in the Homeric poems The Iliad and The Odyssey, modern literary and artistic receptions of the famous poems and stories.

Development of skills in written communication

Development of skills in oral communication

Development of skills in critical analysis and reasoning

Development of skills in information literacy

Interpret language and symbol

Intercultural competence

Respect for diversity

Ethical reasoning and compassion

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

Syllabus

The course will explore a variety of topics, including:

 

The Minoan-Mycenaean civilization

 

The search for Troy and the Trojan War

 

The collapse of the Bronze Age and its aftermath

 

Homeri questions

 

The Heroic code

 

Helen: human and divine

 

Bereavement and vengeance

 

The human costs of war

 

Homer the Humanists

 

Movie “Troy”

 

Telemacheia: in search of identity

 

Women and Goddesses in the Odyssey

 

Exploration and conflict

 

Journey to the underworld

 

Ithaca

 

Violence and legitamacy

 

Is peace possible?

 

Coen brothers’ movie “O Brother”

Reading list

Homer’s Iliad and Odyssey, trans. by Robert Fagles

Cline, E. The Trojan War. A Very Short Introduction. (Oxford)