AMS 180EGreek Myth; FanFic & YA Lit

Catalog

What makes Percy Jackson and the fictional world he inhabits so successful? Why are ancient myths so central in children's and young adult literature? In this course we will examine modern re-imaginations of ancient Greco-Roman myths and ancient history in young people's culture from the twentieth century to the present day, both in traditional literary forms and in newer media such as cartoons and comics. Throughout, we will trace the adaptation of this ancient material in books aimed at children and teenagers, starting with how 19th-century authors adapted Greek myths in order to convey to their readers certain kinds of messages about appropriate behaviours and morals. Despite the heavy moralizing, these stories also inspired generations of children, ultimately paving the way for Rick Riordan's wildly successful Percy Jackson series. We will read a variety of books and comics in order to better understand how these ancient stories about goddesses and heroes have impacted storytelling for children and teenagers and have shaped their lives. We will ask how these books and comics deal with problematic aspects of ancient Mediterranean life (for example enslavement, imperialism, gender inequality); what is and is not suitable material for children; and why and how ancient Greco-Roman material was and is deemed important reading. In addition to the primary texts, students will read critical works that pertain to the subject matter.