Greek and Roman Epic Poetry

Class Times: T Th 2:10-3:30 pm

Location: Ladd 106

 

Required Texts

Netflix Subscription (minimum plan): 1 DVD out at a time + unlimited instant watching.


Hesiod and Homer - Works of Hesiod and the Homeric Hymns - Trans. Hine

ISBN:978-0226329666


Homer- The Iliad - Trans. Fagles 

ISBN: 9780140445923


Quintus Smyrnaeus - The Trojan Epic: Posthomerica - Trans. James

ISBN:9780801879654


Virgil - The Aeneid - Trans. Fagles

ISBN: 9780670038039


Apollonius Rhodius - The Argonautika - trans. Green

ISBN: 9780520253933


Valerius Flaccus - The Voyage of the Argo - Trans. Slavitt

ISBN: 9780801861789


Statius and Claudian- Broken Columns - Trans. Slavitt

ISBN: 9780812216301


Statius - The Thebaid - Trans. Ross

ISBN: 9780801886362


Aeschylus, 2 : The Persians, Seven Against Thebes, the Suppliants, Prometheus Bound

ISBN: 9780812216714


Timothy Gantz, Early Greek Myth: A Guide to Literary and Artistic Sources, vols 1-2.

ISBN: 9780801853609

ISBN: 978-0801853623


Note on Books: Many different versions and translations of the ancient works exist, and you are free to use them if you prefer. Please note that  spelling and line/page numbers differ from edition to edition and that it will be your responsibility to figure out the reading assignments. Be sure to get both volumes of Gantz.


Course Objectives

The primary aim of this course is to familiarize the student with the nature of ancient Greek and Roman epic poetry.

Course Expectations

Students are responsible for attending all classes and for all assigned readings. Lectures will cover the readings but will on occasion include other material as well as film and slides; students will also be responsible for this additional material.

Grading

Essay  1                                                             20% [11/2]

Essay  2                                                            20% [Due 12/9]

Take Home Midterm                                    20% [Distr. 9/30; due 10/5]

Class Participation and assignments      10%

Presentation                                                   10%  [due: 10/26, 11/18 or 11/30*]

Final Exam                                                        20% [12/20, 1:30-4:30pm]

*Report due on Nov. 30, but presentation will take place on Dec. 9

NB: Final is CUMULATIVE



Instructor

Jackie Murray - jmurray2@skidmore.edu

Office: Ladd 205A

Office Hours: MW 12pm-2pm