Mythology and History 2900-HAMC-EL-K1-MHIS
Is it important for an (ancient) historian to know myths, or are they just made-up stories, of interest only to scholars of literature? Conversely, did the myths have any impact on how people in the past and present approached history? In this course, we will discuss some of the most well-known Classical myths (including the conflict between the first gods, the journey of Jason and the Argonauts, the Trojan War, and the travels of Odysseus) through a variety of Classical sources (such as Apollodorus’ Library, Strabo’s Geography, or the Homeric epics). We will then debate whether it is possible to recover ‘historical truth’ from these myths, and whether it even makes sense to do so. Finally, we will investigate the impact of these myths up until the present day.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
K_W02; K_W04; K_W09; K_U01; K_U06; K_U11; K_K02
Assessment criteria
Please specify the ways of verifying and evaluating the student's learning outcomes.
The final grade depends on active participation in classes and a written assignment (essay, up to 1500–2000 words).
No more than 3 absences in the semester are allowed. Absences 2 and 3 may result in additional assignments.
Additional information
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