Greek Mythology
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updated 7-27-04

Overview of Greek Mythology

Fall 2004

Greek Mythology is a lower division course that carries 3 hours credit.  These credits will transfer directly to UNM-Albuquerque and to many other colleges both in New Mexico and out of state.  The course has no prerequisites.  You can take it for a letter grade, for Credit/No Credit, or for Audit.

You can quickly get to other information in this section by clicking on the topic that interests you.

Choosing the Right Label

Greek Mythology  is offered under 3 different labels:  Clscs 107; Engl 107; and Greek 107.    When you register for the class, you will choose which label you want to use.  Because all the students meet at the same time in the same classroom, do the same assignments, and are graded by the same standards, these issues are not important in making your choice.  However, Clscs 107 can be used to fulfill UNM's Humanities Core Curriculum requirement.  Other factors that may affect your choice are what courses your specific degree or certificate requires or perhaps what your financial aid requirements are.  

If you aren't sure which choices to make, call (505) 662-0332 and ask to speak to an Advisor.  Once made, choices can be easily changed during the first two weeks of class.  After that, changes are a little more complicated but we can get them sorted out.                      

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Professor's Information

Dr. Kate Massengale

Office Hours in 623-F M  
T   
W   
Th   
F      off campus
and by appointment
and by appointment


Phones (w)  (505)662-5919, ext. 606
(h)  (505) 455-0220
Emails katem@la.unm.edu  

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Textbook Information

Powell, Barry B.  Classical Myth, 4th Ed.  Prentice Hall, Upper Saddle River, NJ.  2001.
web site:  http://cw.prenhall.com/bookbind/pubbooks/powell2    at the bottom of the page, choose a chapter and click to begin

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Course Description

Clscs/Engl/Greek 107.  Greek Mythology.  (3)
Introduction to Mythology; primary readings in stories about gods and heroes, usually including Homer, Hesiod, Homeric Hymns, and Tragedies.  All texts will be in English.

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Course Objectives

  1. To familiarize students with the major characters of Greek Literature
  2. To introduce students to the literary works of major Greek writers
  3. To acquaint students with the basic elements of Greek culture and geography
  4. To continuously engage students in a discussion of the relevance of ancient cultures to their everyday lives

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Learning Outcomes

    At the conclusion of the course, students should be able to

  1. identify names, key relationships, attributes, and associated symbolism of the major divine and human characters in the most famous Greek stories
  2. recognize and place historically and by genre(s) the major Greek mythologists, poets, and dramatists
  3. discuss orally and in writing the major recurring themes in Greek literature and art
  4. explain how Greek geography shaped the culture, everyday lives, and myths of the ancient Greek people
  5. discover connections between cultural values and the themes associated with major literary figures
  6. discuss parallels and differences between ancient and modern stories and characters

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Topics to be Studied

  1. The nature, cultural context, origins, development, and types of myth
  2. Creation myths
  3. Myths of the Olympian gods
  4. Myths of fertility, death, and the underworld
  5. Legends of the heroes
  6. Origins, development, and impact of Greek drama, including a major play
  7. The Trojan War, including the heroic return

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Evaluation Criteria

    Evaluation will be based on such factors as attendance and class participation; oral and written work, including some research and literary analysis; and tests.

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Attendance Policies

  • As adults, you will choose whether or not to come to class. Since grading does involve attendance and class participation, you must decide what consequences you wish to live with.
  • I will deal with issues involving emergency and long-term absences on a case-by-case basis.
  • As adults, you will conduct yourselves in a courteous and civil manner while you are in the classroom.  After one written warning, I may officially withdraw you from the course for discourteous or uncivil behavior.

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Assignment Policies

  • Assignments, including reading assignments, are due at the beginning of the period.
  • Late work will be penalized 5 points per day including weekends and holidays unless you have made a prior arrangement with me. 
  • Work may handed in during class, or sent by email as a document (.doc) attachment to katem@la.unm.edu.  Assignments sent by email must arrive 1 hour before the class time in which the assignment is due unless prior arrangements have been made.
  • You may work with other students, tutors, and/or me as you prepare assignments.
  • All written work is to be handwritten in ink, typed, or printed, fronts only, no fringes. 
  • Staple multiple pages.  Do not use folded/torn corners, paper clips or report covers.

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Special Needs Policies

It is my goal to help you learn to the best of your ability and to earn the highest possible course grade.  I am usually able to find ways to help students learn more effectively based on their special needs, disabilities, or learning styles.  If you want to talk to me about your needs or problems, please come by my office or give me a call so that we can speak privately.

Grading Policies

Students are not graded against each other.  This means that everyone in the class can earn assignment and  course grades of A.  I encourage you to talk to me if you would like help on an assignment before you turn it in or if you want to re-do any of your work for higher grade.

Assignments, including reading assignments, are due at the beginning of the period.  Late work, including work delayed because of absences, will be penalized 5 points per day, including weekends and holidays.  These lost points cannot be made up unless arrangements were made before the absence occurred.  Work not properly formatted or packaged will be returned ungraded.  Assignments are weighted as follows:

  1. 50%  Homework
  2. 50%  Projects
  • Project 1:    Oral and written report on an Olympian Deity
  • Project 2:    Written report on a Greek Hero
  • Project 3:    Written character analysis on a character from the play Antigonê
  • Project:4:    Oral and written report on a Modern Hero or Creative Option
A+ 100-97% B+  89-87% C+   79-77% D+   69-67%
A     96-93% B    86-83% C    76-73% D     66-63%
A-      92-90 B-   82-80% C-   72-70% D-   62-60%
      F      0-59%

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