LIT 333 - Desire and Destiny: Literature of Greek Antiquity

Institution:

Antioch University-System Administration

Subject:

Description:

Take a seat in the amphitheater, stand in the democratic agora, walk with Socrates to a shady grove, lie on a bed crafted by Odysseus. This course explores the first great stories that have fueled literature (and film) ever since, beginning with the great Athenian plays. Greek plays are enormously enjoyable and easy to read. Garcia Márquez noted that he learned how to tell stories by reading the Greeks, especially Euripides. Who, if not the playwrights, spoke truth to power in 4th century Athens, a city where life was spiraling out of control in an unending war Students read selections from epic poems such as The Odyssey, poems by Sappho, plays such as Antigone, Medea, and Lysistrata, -- noting how women become essential bearers of truth as Athenian men are killed or enslaved because of war-mongering politicians -- and selected passages from Plato's dialogues on the nature of love (Symposium and Phaedrus). Students consider the unique and vulnerable place that humans negotiate between gods and beasts. Some of the themes: family ties are stronger than death; power intoxicates; moral courage is transformative; men and women love and betray or are faithful; self-centered arrogance (hubris) leads to a fall; women can have more wisdom and courage than men; everyday life can be sweet. HUMANITIES DOMAIN

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.antioch.edu

Phone Number:

(937) 769-1372

Regional Accreditation:

North Central Association of Colleges and Schools

The Course Profile information is provided and updated by third parties including the respective institutions. While the institutions are able to update their information at any time, the information is not independently validated, and no party associated with this website can accept responsibility for its accuracy.