CLST 036. Greek and Roman Mythology

What is a myth? How is myth different from fairy tale or fable? What is its connection to ritual and religion? What sets myth apart from history? In this survey of the mythology of Greco-Roman antiquity, we will investigate the diverse meanings of ‘myth’, its social functions, its origins, its history, and its contemporary relevance. Students will get a broad overview of Classical mythology through direct and close readings of primary sources (all in English translation), including such texts as Homer’s Odyssey, plays by all three of the major Greek tragedians (Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides), and Ovid’s Metamorphoses. Our readings of ancient texts will be supplemented by study of ancient art and frequent investigations of modern responses to and theorizing of myth in diverse fields and media, including sociological, psychological, and philosophical treatises; modern poetry; visual arts; and film.
Humanities.
Writing course.
1 credit.
Eligible for INTP
Fall 2025. Staff.
Catalog chapter: Classics
Department website: http://www.swarthmore.edu/classics

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