GRST 321 - Topics in Greek Literature

Semester Offered: Spring
1 unit(s)

Topic for 2014/15b: Sirens, Sibyls and Sorceresses. (Same as GRST 226) In this class we look at a subgroup of the mythological Greek female: women who are endowed with supernatural powers. We consider their differences and similarities from each other with particular focus on the question of their access to the divine. We begin with Homer and Hesiod, looking closely at figures like Circe, Kalypso and even Helen, and then move on to a consideration of women like Medea and Deianeira as they are depicted in 5th century tragedy. We also attempt to read these fictionalized figures against the information that we have about their real-life counterparts like the Pythia at Delphi. Ms. Friedman.

Prerequisite: GRST 225 or permission of the instructor.

This course should be elected by students before electing any advanced Greek course in the department.

Students enrolled in GRST 226 will have an extra hour of grammar review and students enrolled in 321 will have longer Greek assignments.

Two 75-minute periods and one 50-minute drill period.