Greek Warrior Myths

Catalog description

(PS, G) In antiquity, much of the literature about war was composed and performed by veterans who had experienced battle firsthand and knew the difficulties of long separation from home and family. Other myths dealt with chronic illness, suicide, the death of a child, and other difficult topics. In recent years, these texts have been used to help people in our own society who have suffered from war, suicide, racial violence, incarceration, and more process their trauma and communalize their grief. This class will explore these uses through selections from ancient epic and tragedy, supplemented by scholarly commentary. Usually offered every other year. Content Advisory: this course includes consideration of topics that may be difficult for some students.