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GRC10140

Academic Year 2024/2025

Classical Myth: An Introduction (GRC10140)

Subject:
Greek & Roman Civilization
College:
Arts & Humanities
School:
Classics
Level:
1 (Introductory)
Credits:
5
Module Coordinator:
Dr Joanna Day
Trimester:
Spring
Mode of Delivery:
On Campus
Internship Module:
No
How will I be graded?
Letter grades

Curricular information is subject to change.

This module will introduce students to key figures and themes in Classical mythology, drawing on evidence from ancient literature, iconography and archaeological remains. Through case studies focusing on a selection of gods and heroes, such as Zeus, Athena, Herakles, Theseus, Medea and Odysseus, students will become familiar with the range of ancient sources available for studying myth (e.g. vase painting, epic poetry, temples) and the relative strengths and weaknesses of each source. The concept of “myth” will also be explored - what is a myth and why do societies all around the world develop myths? The module will look at the social functions of myth in ancient society and by developing an understanding of ancient religious practices, students will learn how gods and heroes were believed to interact with humans. The reception of Classical mythology will also be covered.

About this Module

Learning Outcomes:

By the end of the module, students will:
- be able to identify key figures and themes in Classical mythology
- be familiar with a range of relevant primary sources and their critical analysis
- understand the roles of myth in ancient social, political and religious contexts
- be aware of theoretical approaches to comparative mythology and the challenges inherent in interpreting myths
- appreciate the wide reception of Classical myth in post-antiquity
- research a specific topic and communicate the results in writing in an organised and coherent manner

Indicative Module Content:

The following are indicative topics; students should be aware that topics may vary from year to year.
Sources and Theory for Classical Myth
Creation myths
The Olympians
Herakles - a Demigod
Theseus and Athens
Death and the Underworld
Mythical Monsters
The Trojan War
The House of Atreus
Myth and Religion
Hero Cult

Student Effort Hours:
Student Effort Type Hours
Specified Learning Activities

35

Autonomous Student Learning

50

Lectures

11

Tutorial

4

Total

100


Approaches to Teaching and Learning:
This module is taught through a combination of weekly lectures and small-group tutorials. Tutorials provide an opportunity for discussion and engagement with the reception of myth in art and literature. A visit to the UCD Classical Museum is also scheduled.
This module is red on the Arts and Humanities traffic-light system for the use of generative AI technology. This means you must not use generative AI technology for any purpose in your assignments.

Requirements, Exclusions and Recommendations

Not applicable to this module.


Module Requisites and Incompatibles
Incompatibles:
GRC1011E - Introduction to Classical Myth


 

Assessment Strategy
Description Timing Component Scale Must Pass Component % of Final Grade In Module Component Repeat Offered
Assignment(Including Essay): Essay of c.2000 words, with bibliography and supporting images Week 14 Graded No
60
No
Quizzes/Short Exercises: Three multiple choice quizzes in Brightspace. Week 4, Week 7, Week 12 Graded No
40
No

Carry forward of passed components
Yes
 

Resit In Terminal Exam
Autumn No
Please see Student Jargon Buster for more information about remediation types and timing. 

Feedback Strategy/Strategies

• Feedback individually to students, post-assessment
• Group/class feedback, post-assessment

How will my Feedback be Delivered?

For the slide test, results will be circulated a.s.a.p. after the test. Individual feedback will be available on request. For the group project, work will be submitted online and feedback given through Brightspace.

Classical Mythology. Mark P.O. Morford, Robert J. Lenardon, Michael Sham. Oxford University Press, 2019, 11th ed.
A Handbook to the Reception of Classical Mythology. Vanda Zajko (ed.) John Wiley & Sons Inc. 2017. (ebook)
Classical Mythology: a Very Short Introduction. Helen Morales. Oxford University Press, 2007. (ebook)

Name Role
Dr Christopher Farrell Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Dr Bridget Martin Lecturer / Co-Lecturer
Ms Kathryn Davies Tutor
Ms Eleanor Kellett Tutor
Maria Serrano Ruber Tutor

Timetabling information is displayed only for guidance purposes, relates to the current Academic Year only and is subject to change.
Spring Lecture Offering 1 Week(s) - 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33 Fri 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 1 Week(s) - 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 Mon 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 2 Week(s) - 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 Mon 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 3 Week(s) - 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 Mon 12:00 - 12:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 4 Week(s) - 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 Tues 12:00 - 12:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 5 Week(s) - 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 Mon 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 6 Week(s) - 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 Tues 15:00 - 15:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 8 Week(s) - 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 Fri 12:00 - 12:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 9 Week(s) - 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 Tues 13:00 - 13:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 10 Week(s) - 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 Wed 10:00 - 10:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 12 Week(s) - 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 Wed 11:00 - 11:50
Spring Tutorial Offering 13 Week(s) - 21, 22, 23, 24, 25 Fri 11:00 - 11:50