HNRS-270 | Ancient Heroes and Heroines

Full Title: Ancient and Classical Heroes and Heroines: a Great Light in the World

Topic Description:

Achilles' heel, Trojan horse, Penelope's patience--figures from ancient and classical literature continue to play important roles in our lives. This literature spawned the first heroes, and the world needs heroes. Through reading original tales of Mesopotamian, Greek, and Roman heroes and heroines together with considering more modern treatments in films and literature, we will explore types of heroism, the relationship of heroes and heroines to their societies, the personal costs of heroism, and the reasons women so rarely were portrayed heroically. Who were these heroes? What did they represent? Why were they admired by their producing cultures? How did the idea of a hero change over time? How do they compare to our modern ideas about heroes and heroines? How and why do they constitute such a significant role in human cultures--including our own? And why do their stories continue to engage, to entertain, and even to shock us?

Counts as Global? No

Topic Approved: March 2016