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This course is suitable for anyone with an interest in epic poetry, Greek myth, or the Trojan War.
The course is dedicated to a reading and discussion of the Iliad of Homer. You will get to know the poem in detail, and learn theories about its creation, hear the sound of the Greek poetry, appreciate the role of the gods, and have opportunities to discuss the enduring themes raised by this foundational epic. We will also see how modern poets have adapted the Iliad, notably Christopher Logue and Alice Oswald.
Among the stories we will hear are the rage of Achilles against his commander Agamemnon, the gathering of the 1,000-plus Greek ships, the sorrows and resentment of Helen, arguments between the gods, the miraculous shield of Achilles, talking horses, and the poignant embassy of King Priam of Troy to retrieve the body of Hector, his son.
By the end of the course, you should
understand the historical context of the creation of the Iliad
recognise the cast of gods and mortals in the Trojan War myth
recall the causes and major events of the Trojan War
appreciate the modern reception of the Iliad
Classes will typically consist of an introduction of the topic and relevant themes by the tutor; close reading of text extracts; tutor-guided class discussion; small group work.
We will assess your expectations of the course in the first session, and we will monitor your progress through class discussion.
Extracts from key passages will be provided, but you may wish to buy a copy of Homer's Iliad. We will mainly be referring to the translation by Robert Fagles (Penguin, 1990), but other editions are also welcome.
Further courses at Mary Ward Centre on Homer's Odyssey and Virgil's Aeneid. Other Humanities courses at Mary Ward Centre or elsewhere.
This is an on-line course. The Iliad is more than 2,500 years old, and yet it remains startlingly relevant today. It transports us to the final year of the Trojan War, and the catastrophic consequences of an argument between Greek warriors Agamemnon and Achilles. Homer's epic poem still speaks clearly about the horrors of war, but it deals with many other themes besides, such as the impact of war on the women and children who remain at home, and the ever-present role of the gods in archaic society. This course explores the poem in all its complexity, horror and beauty.
This is an on-line course. Virgil's Aeneid is the epic poem of Imperial Rome, with its roots in the Greek models of Homer's epics. It tells the story of Aeneas, a refugee from the destroyed city of Troy. What can it tell us today about war, migration and national myth-making? This course follows Aeneas as he recounts the Fall of Troy, meets and abandons Dido, Queen of Carthage, crosses to the Underworld on Charon's barge, and finally gives us a foundation myth for Rome with echoes throughout Western literature.
This is an on-line course. How well do we know the tale of the long wanderings of Odysseus as he returned home from the Trojan War? In this course we will accompany Odysseus through the text of Homer's Odyssey, as he encounters awesome cyclopes, intimidating goddesses, enchanting nymphs, lotus eaters, and the shades of the dead. Reading Emily Wilson's celebrated new translation, we will consider how the epic poem was created, and how it has been received, as we explore the eternal fascination of the myth. This course provides an opportunity to get to know one of the most important stories in Western literature. We will explore the creation of Greek epic poetry, and its transmission and reception from ancient times to the present. We will consider some of the great themes evoked by the Odyssey, including attitudes to home, hospitality to strangers, the status of women, and the horrors of war. Along the way, we will hear some of the most compelling, thought-provoking and fantastic stories of Odysseus' long journey home, giving you a rounded view of the significance of Homer's epic.
For more information contact hum@marywardcentre.ac.uk at admin@marywardcentre.ac.uk
See how long it will take you to get to college. Please select the campus of the course you wish to study.