Classical Mythology
A.Y. 2024/2025
Learning objectives
The course aims to offer the student a general background on the contents of the discipline and a series of hermeneutic tools coming from different disciplines, but, in particular, based on the examination of literary, documentary and iconographic dossiers. It is also proposed to integrate its objectives with those identified by the degree course in Humanities, with particular attention to the antiquity course.
Expected learning outcomes
Knowledge: the course will introduce students to the awareness of the different hermeneutic possibilities available to those who face the study of the classical myth and will also provide a series of investigative tools (including digital) useful to work on an ancient mythical tale.
Skills: students will acquire skills in reasoning and interpreting sources of different times, nature and complexity, also using visual language. They will also be able to understand and use the concepts of variation and variant and to appreciate the dynamic relationship between the local variant and the mythical pan-Hellenic (national) narrative.
Skills: students will acquire skills in reasoning and interpreting sources of different times, nature and complexity, also using visual language. They will also be able to understand and use the concepts of variation and variant and to appreciate the dynamic relationship between the local variant and the mythical pan-Hellenic (national) narrative.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course can be attended as a single course.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course consists of three parts:
- The first will be devoted to the different methodologies of approaching ancient myth and the presentation of the tools of investigation (repertories, sources and their typology);
- - The second will be entitled 'Heracles/Hercules the Hero of the Margins' and will be dedicated to the exploration of the hero's canonical and non-canonical labours: from ancient sources (in Greece and Rome) to material culture. This segment of the course also involves in a multidisciplinary perspective the chairs of Latin Literature (LM Professor Chiara Torre) and Ancient Numismatics (LM Professor Alessandro Cavagna), as part of a multi-year project of innovative didactics, for a contamination of knowledge and hermeneutic resources.
- The third part will explore the theme of the journey as an initiatory paradigm in heroic tales. Through a number of well-known cases: Heracles, Theseus, Jason and, then, Medea, Ariadne, the Amazons, a number of strategic nodes will be explored that make it possible to stress the idea of the journey in the ancient world as one of the pivotal elements in the construction of heroic biographies.
- The first will be devoted to the different methodologies of approaching ancient myth and the presentation of the tools of investigation (repertories, sources and their typology);
- - The second will be entitled 'Heracles/Hercules the Hero of the Margins' and will be dedicated to the exploration of the hero's canonical and non-canonical labours: from ancient sources (in Greece and Rome) to material culture. This segment of the course also involves in a multidisciplinary perspective the chairs of Latin Literature (LM Professor Chiara Torre) and Ancient Numismatics (LM Professor Alessandro Cavagna), as part of a multi-year project of innovative didactics, for a contamination of knowledge and hermeneutic resources.
- The third part will explore the theme of the journey as an initiatory paradigm in heroic tales. Through a number of well-known cases: Heracles, Theseus, Jason and, then, Medea, Ariadne, the Amazons, a number of strategic nodes will be explored that make it possible to stress the idea of the journey in the ancient world as one of the pivotal elements in the construction of heroic biographies.
Prerequisites for admission
This course has not access requirements and is not restricted to students in classics. However, a good knowledge of Greek and Latin is certainly useful to take the exam.
Teaching methods
The teaching method is lecture based. This course has no formal entry requirements. However, attendance is highly recommended and a basic knowledge of Greek and Latin is of help.
Teaching Resources
Part A
M. Bettini, Mito. Discorso autorevole o racconto screditato; J.-P. Vernant, Mito, Treccani
Part B
Angelo Brelich, Gli eroi greci, Adelphi
Part C
C. Bonnet, L. Bricault, Divinità in viaggio. Culti e miti in movimento nel Mediterraneo antico, Il Mulino
Erwin Rohde, Psiche, Laterza
M. Bettini, Mito. Discorso autorevole o racconto screditato; J.-P. Vernant, Mito, Treccani
Part B
Angelo Brelich, Gli eroi greci, Adelphi
Part C
C. Bonnet, L. Bricault, Divinità in viaggio. Culti e miti in movimento nel Mediterraneo antico, Il Mulino
Erwin Rohde, Psiche, Laterza
Assessment methods and Criteria
The examination is exclusively oral, and the grading system is based on a 30 points scale (18 is the minimum passing grade). The oral assessment will test the knowledge both of the general topics presented in the first teaching unit and of the specific topics related to the other two units. The exam also aims at testing the ability both to discuss critically the topics studied and to use the appropriate discipline-specific vocabulary. Performance descriptors are: knowledge accuracy, ability to present critically a topic, speech organization, fluency and appropriate vocabulary.
National and international students or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the teacher in charge of the course in a timely manner.
The examination procedures for students with disabilities and/or with DSA must be agreed with the teacher, in agreement with the competent office.
National and international students or Erasmus incoming students are invited to contact the teacher in charge of the course in a timely manner.
The examination procedures for students with disabilities and/or with DSA must be agreed with the teacher, in agreement with the competent office.
Professor(s)
Reception:
Wednesday 10.45 a.m.
in person, cortile della legnaia, ground floor, via festa del perdono 7; on line via teams (scheduled only)