Classical Mythology at The Lukeion Project
Why study Classical Mythology?
See the February 2013 TOS article by Lukeion founder, Amy Barr:
"3 Myths about Classical Mythology"
Thanks to a number of recent books and movies inspired by Classical mythology, we've witnessed a resurgence of interest in the original Classical myths. What's not to like? Myths range from heroic adventures and true romance to extreme reverses in fortune and tragedy, all with ghastly monsters and divine enchantment. These tales are not bed-time stories nor fairy tales. They explore questions of the human condition, they examine our potential, they expose our reactions to loss and war, and they place supreme value on hospitality, honor, and valor.
Classical mythology has inspired art and literature for over 2700 years. No thinking person can visit capital cities of the western world, museum nor library without running headlong into Classical mythology. This makes a study of Classical literature not only a practical course but a requirement for any learner in need of a well rounded education.
The Lukeion Project takes a balanced interdisciplinary approach to Classical mythology
An understanding of mythological references will bring to life the finest art and literature of Western civilization. We take our examination of these superb pieces of literature beyond plot and device. Lukeion Mythology presents the greatest works of Classical literature and sets them into their larger historical context as products of cultures which flourished for over a thousand years. Expect a bit of archaeology, geography, geology, vocabulary, and much more. Each class is richly illustrated with a wide variety of art dating from the Mycenaean age (1200 BC) through our modern day.
**The Greeks portrayed male heroes in the nude. I will be selective and never show anything intentionally obscene, but I will not use fig leaves either--so be forewarned.
College Preparatory
Mythology in Classical Literate (Alpha and Beta) are both college preparatory courses. Each semester usually counts as a half credit literature course in most state transcript systems. The courses promote time management. They encourage critical analysis in exam essays and research papers. They prompt good note taking and study skills. Good candidates for this course must be confidently reading and writing at the high school level since both the Alpha and Beta course require robust weekly reading assignments. The instructor will provide suggestions and pointers for first time research writers and note takers.
The Lukeion Project Mythology in Classical Literature Alpha
In Lukeion Mythology Alpha, we start with a careful study of the ancient Olympians, Prometheus, Pandora, and more. Students will complete the ever popular Olympian Resume writing assignment. Next we discuss the background myths behind the story of Troy, followed by a study of Homer's Iliad and Odyssey as well as the Greek tragedy Hecuba.
Students will complete 4-5 quizzes and various writing assignments, including a 6 to 8 page research paper on a topic that they've chosen from a large list of available subjects.
Prerequisites: Recommended for grades 9-12. Students should be reading and writing at the high school level. Suggested companion course: Mythology Beta.
Required texts
Average students will need around 3-5 hours of reading each week--sometimes more for more difficult texts. Translations are important. There are a great many translations of ancient texts, not all are created equal. Please wait to order texts until you confirm the list with the instructor. A copy of the syllabus with text requirements available upon request.
We offer a single time slot for this course which is strictly limited in size:
- Autumn semester, Thursdays at 10:15 am ET -- instructor A. Barr
- (Mythology Beta is offered Spring semester, Thursdays at 10:15 am ET)
Register for 2016-2017 classes
The Lukeion Project Mythology in Classical Literature Beta
In Lukeion Mythology Beta, we will begin with a quick study of the characteristics of the Olympians as review for return students or as a primer for new mythology learners. The first half of the semester will be a careful study of the major heroes of the Classical world: Heracles, Perseus, Theseus, and Jason. We will also study Rome's best hero, Aeneas, with Virgil’s Aeneid. Next we spend a single week on the important play Oedipus Rex by by playwright Sophocles and a single week on Euripides' Medea. We finish the course with a three week study of selections from Ovid’s Metamorphoses.
Students are not required to take Mythology Alpha before they take Mythology Beta, though it is strongly recommended.
Students should anticipate 4-5 exams and a single 6-8 page research paper.
Prerequisites: recommended for 9-12th grade. Students should be reading and writing at the high school level. Suggested companion course: Mythology Alpha.
Required texts
Average students will need around 5-7 hours of reading each week--sometimes more for more difficult texts. Translations are important. There are a great many translations of ancient texts, not all are created equal.
Please wait to order texts until you confirm the list with the instructor. A copy of the syllabus with text requirements available upon request.
We offer a single time slot for this course which is strictly limited in size:
- Spring semester, Thursdays at 10:15 am ET -- instructor A. Barr