Classical Studies 226F: Epic Poetry

 

Week of

 

Topic

Of Interest

Study Questions

Reading Assignment

Sept. 9

Introduction to Course

 

   

 

Sept. 12

Oral Epic poetry: Composition and features

Background myths

Gods and humans

 

Homer in Performance at Harvard

A Canadian epic poem!

Iliad 1-6 Study Questions

Iliad 1-6

Sept. 19

kleos and the mortal hero

ritual

the embassy

women of the Iliad

treachery

 

Images of the Trojan War Myths, compiled by Robin Mitchell-Boyask, at Temple University Iliad 7-12 Study Questions

Iliad 7-12

Sept. 26

Patroclus

lament

ekphrasis

Wed. Sept. 28; Library workshop at Weldon

Meet on the main floor
of the library in front of the large concrete pillar directly across from the entrance gates.

Select Bibliography

Death of Sarpedon

Nestor's cup

Boar's Tusk helmet

W.H. Auden's The Shield of Achilles

Iliad 13-18 Study Questions

Iliad 13-18

Oct. 3

The wrath of Achilles

reciprocity

The tragedy of Hector

 

  Iliad 19-24 Study Questions

Iliad 19-24

Oct. 10

Monday Thanksgiving

Telemacheia

Marriage

nostos

 

Penelope and Telemachos Odyssey 1-6 Study Questions

Odyssey 1-6

Oct. 17

xenia

The lliad in the Odyssey

Narratology

Forms of seduction

 

Circe

Blinding of Polyphemus

Odysseus under the ram

Odysseus consulting Teiresias in Hades

Odysseus and the Sirens

 

Odyssey 7-12 Study questions

Odyssey 7-12

Oct. 24

Penelope

Strategy

Term test Friday October 28

 

Test Format Odyssey 13-18 Study questions

Odyssey 13-18

October 31

Folly and gluttony

Justice

 

The footwashing scene

Odysseus slays the suitors

Odyssey 19-24 Study questions

Odyssey 19-24

Nov. 7

Augustan Rome and literary epic

Pietas and passion

Initial Proposal Due

 

Links to sites on historical context Aeneid 1-3 Study Questions

Aeneid 1-3

Nov. 14

Women in the Aeneid

The Iliad and the Odyssey in the Aeneid

 

Map of Aeneas' travels Aeneid 4-6 Study Questions

Aeneid 4-6

Nov. 21

Religion and philosophy

 

Drawing of Aeneas' Shield Aeneid 7-9 Study Questions

Aeneid 7-9

Nov. 28

Propaganda

Ambiguities

Essay due Friday December 2

 

  Aeneid 10-12 Study Questions

Aeneid 10-12

Dec. 5

Summary and Review

   

 

Dec. 17 Final Exam: 9-12 SH 3317