CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGY

Professor: Arti Mehta

Office: Locke Hall 264, 806-5222
Email: arti.mehta@howard.edu
p.m.
Office hours: Monday 1 - 2 p.m.,
Wednesday 12 1 p.m., and by appointment
806-6725

CLAS 109-01
Spring 2015, CRN
MWF 11:10 a.m. - 12:00
Locke Hall 105
Classics: LKH 254,

COURSE DESCRIPTION
The ancient Greek stories about the gods are some of the most imaginative and exciting tales the world
has heard. Our mission is to become familiar with these and other stories about the universe and the place
of humans within it. Modern fields such as astronomy and psychology as well as many other intellectual
activities have emerged from the mythological tradition. Our project is to read the originals - the works of
Homer, Hesiod, Aeschylus, Sophocles, Ovid and others, with visual accompaniments to help us bring the
ancient world to life. There are no prerequisites for this course other than an interest in learning the stories
and a willingness to get technical.
COURSE GOALS
As we read and try to understand the ancient myths, we will ask ourselves questions such as: How did the
universe begin? What are the powers and domains of the gods? Where do we humans enter into the
picture? What is the relationship between a society and its gods? How do the gods influence an
individuals interaction with his or her society? And, how did the ancients tell - or retell - stories about
gods and heroes in their efforts to imagine, understand and celebrate the world around them?
COURSE OBJECTIVES
After successfully completing this course, students will be able to
distinguish mythical tales from historical events
recognize and classify major figures from the myths
locate recurring themes in stories
define the terms associated with mythology
compare and evaluate the heroic nature of people in our culture
negotiate similar socio-political issues in our own society
Textbooks and Other Resources
o Barry B. Powell, Classical Myth, 8th ed. (ISBN 978-0-321-96704-6);
o a cheaper option is to buy Powells Classical Myth, 7th ed. (used or new; ISBN 978-0205176070)
o Supplementary Readings posted on Blackboard (see Schedule of Readings for due dates)
o Perseus Digital Library (translations and more!): http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/hopper

If for any reason you have problems buying/renting the textbook, or want to discuss any aspect of this
class, please stop by my office or email me. You are still responsible for completing the assigned
readings, but help is often available!
Course Outline
I.
Introduction
II.
Origins: Cosmos, Gods, Humans
III.
The Olympians
IV.
Fertility & Death
V.
Heroes, Parts 1 & 2

COURSE REQUIREMENTS & POLICIES

Typically classes will consist of a combination of lectures with visual presentations, group work and
discussions, and close readings of primary texts, i.e. mostly poems and plays. Online you will find
supplementary readings, Blackboard exercises, study guides and review handouts. Your grade for this
course will be depend upon how well you listen in class, how carefully you read the assignments, and
how diligently you learn the technical vocabulary of mythology and engage with the cultural concepts.
See the Schedule of Readings and Activities for the assignments and their due dates; check Blackboard
Announcements daily for updates and notifications such as any changes in Readings or due dates.
Grading Criteria
The course grade derives from the Reading Quizzes, Blackboard Exercises, in-class discussions and three
Exams. The quizzes & exercises are primarily factual, and intended as an opportunity to show that you
have completed the assignment. The Exams will then offer a chance to show your deeper understanding
of the stories, the concepts and contexts associated with them. You are ultimately responsible for your
grade in this course, but do bring your concerns or questions to me immediately to avoid being confused
in class or falling behind in the readings a very slippery slope.
Because quizzes assess your reading of the chapters, no make-ups will be granted. The lowest quiz grade
is automatically dropped by Blackboards Grade Center. An optional extra credit assignment to create
your own deity, due at the end of the semester may serve as a substitute for one other quiz missed due to
family, health or other life issues. Exams draw upon lectures, discussions, exercises and readings. The
format of the exams will be a combination of short answer, term identification and short essays. Names
and terms covered on the exams appear at the end of each chapter in the textbook. Any additional or
alternate names and terms will be posted on Blackboard. On exam days, all personal property will be left
at the front of the room. Our Final Project is to write 5-7 pages discussing a Perspective that draws upon
major themes from the course. Additional information on the Final Project and the Perspectives will be
posted on Blackboard.
Computation of Final Course Grade
Attendance & Participation
Blackboard Exercises (3)
6 Worksheets on various Gods
8 Reading Quizzes (lowest score dropped by Blackboard)
2

15%
5%
5%
25%

5 Tests (Feb. 2, Feb. 20, Mar. 9, Apr. 3, Apr. 22)

40%
Final Project (Wednesday, Apr. 29)
*SCHEDULE TRAVEL PLANS ACCORDINGLY*

10%

In-Class Attendance and Participation

ATTENDANCE
You are expected to attend every day on time, to participate in class discussions, and be accountable for
improving your learning abilities. But what does this mean in practical terms, you ask? To record
attendance, attendance will be taken daily. The good news is, you have three free absences use these
judiciously. The bad news is, any absences may affect your ability to perform on quizzes and tests. Being
unprepared when called upon, texting, sleeping, doing work for other classes these activities detract
from the focus of the class and thus will transform your presence into an absence for the day.
PARTICIPATION
You are expected to engage thoroughly with the readings & assignments, and to participate actively in the
class. To participate in the class discussions, first read the assigned material carefully the day before; then
sleep on it and bring your insights to class. Being accountable means that you challenge yourself to learn
how to learn about mythology. Whether youve been reading these stories since high school or are
intrigued by movies about Greek gods & heroes, ask yourself what you need to know to succeed - and ask
for assistance to make the changes happen! Accountability also means that if you miss a class, you are
responsible for borrowing the days notes from a classmate: contact information for our class will be
posted on Blackboard after the first week of classes.

Civility in the Classroom

Treating others with respect is fundamental to the process of classroom learning. Respect means
listening while others speak without distracting noises, surfing the net or leaving the room. Everybody
knows that we gain respect by giving it: consider your time in the classroom a practice run for the level of
civility expected in the professional world.
Absences
If you know you have to miss class, please tell me in advance, and bring verifiable documentation to the
next class. Keep in mind that excessive absences may result in lost quiz points as make-up quizzes are
only given in very rare circumstances, and must be completed within one week of the original
offering. Excessive absences may also result in your being unprepared for the exams. Exams missed
without advance consultation with the instructor and appropriate documentation will earn a zero.
Electronics in the Classroom
Cell phones, PDAs, iPods and other devices must be turned off and put away when you enter the
classroom. In an emergency, simply excuse yourself from the room to attend to the situation. If your cell
phone goes off during class, it is distracting and may lead to the offending instrument being confiscated.
Anyone who surfs the net or texts during class time is subject to dismissal from the class or earning a zero
on the days attendance (including any quizzes, worksheets, etc. assigned for that day).

Incomplete Grades and Withdrawals

Grades of Incomplete are given only in the event of a medical (or similar) emergency. Regular class
attendance (i.e. maximum of 3 absences), a consistent record of passing scores, and supporting
documentation must accompany the request. The last day to withdraw from courses is Friday, Nov. 7.
Academic Integrity
All students are to earn their grades for this course in a manner consistent with the protocols for academic
integrity. All graded work, including tests and assignments should be completed independently and
without outside assistance or collaboration. On the other hand, you are encouraged to prepare the
chapters readings and to study for assignments and tests with other students. However, no form of
fabrication, plagiarism, cheating, interference, etc. is acceptable. Any such conduct may lead to a failing
grade for the course and a report to the Judiciary Committee.
The Howard University Policy Office states, Howard University is a community of scholars composed
of faculty and students both of whom must hold the pursuit of learning and search for truth in the highest
regard. To better comprehend Academic Cheating, Plagiarism, and Copy Infringement read the complete
Academic Code of Student Conduct in the Student Handbook (H-book, pages 13-15), or online at
http://www.howard.edu/policy/academic/student-conduct.htm.
Student Support Services
If at any time during the semester you have any questions or concerns, including but not limited to your
ability to meet the expectations of this course, please contact me immediately. Addressing problems right
away may prevent molehills from growing into insurmountable mountains. You can also express your
concerns to Dr. Cowherd, Chair of Classics (202-806-6725, ccowherd@howard.edu). Alternatively, you
may consult the Division of Student Affairs (202-806-2100; http://www.howard.edu/studentaffairs/), the
Howard University Counseling Service (202-806-6870; 6th & Bryant Streets NW;
http://www.howard.edu/ services/counseling/), or Dean Heath of Special Student Services (202-238-2420,
Howard Center Suite 725, 2225 Georgia Avenue, eheath@howard.edu). You may also find of interest this
link to Keys to Student Success: http://www.howard.edu/academics/success.htm
Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
Howard University is committed to providing an educational environment that is accessible to all
students. Students who need accommodations because of a disability should contact the Office of the
Dean at Special Student Services as soon as possible after admission to the University or at the beginning
of each semester.