Religion affected every part of Greek life, from politics and warfare to entertainment. In this class, we will explore the theory and practice of religion in the ancient Greek world, as reflected in ancient literary texts, as well as epigraphic and archaeological sources. Through readings, discussions, and essays, students will develop proficiency in the details that comprise the study of Greek religion, and an understanding of such broad topics as the nature and forms of Greek worship, from private worship to polis cults to panhellenic festivals; the relation between myth and cult; and the development of Greek religion in the Hellenistic and Roman periods. Students in CC 265, Greek Religion, will demonstrate the ability to:

• describe the major forms of religion in the ancient Greek world;

• explain how the religions of Greece functioned in their social and political contexts, both within individual poleis and across the Greek world;

• read critically and analyze both primary sources, including literary and documentary texts and material evidence, and secondary scholarship on Greek religion; and

• present orally and in written form an argument supported by primary and secondary sources.

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