REL 208 - Ancient Greek Religion

Institution:

Williams College

Subject:

Religion

Description:

This course explores the nature and evolution of ancient Greek religion from the Bronze Age (1200s BCE) to the rise of Christianity, with a focus on ritual and cultic practices in their cultural and historical context. We will draw on the rich evidence provided by literary and documentary texts, and also take into account archaeological evidence, including works of art such as sculpture and vase painting. We will pay special attention to ritual in civic and political life, and its role in expressing and forming individual and group identity. We will also examine the intersection of religion and literature by reading works that describe or depict cultic practice, or that were composed for performance in ritual contexts. Readings include Homer's Iliad, Hesiod's Theogony, Euripides' Bacchae, Aristophanes' Women at the Thesmophoria, and selections from the Homeric Hymns and Pindar's Odes.

Credits:

3.00

Credit Hours:

Prerequisites:

Corequisites:

Exclusions:

Level:

Instructional Type:

Lecture

Notes:

Additional Information:

Historical Version(s):

Institution Website:

www.williams.edu

Phone Number:

(413) 597-3131

Regional Accreditation:

New England Association of Schools and Colleges

Calendar System:

Four-one-four plan

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