Mythology, Homer, and Ancient Greek Literature

Henri Marrou, the leading French historian of antiquity, called Homer the “great educator” of Greece and by extension, the world. The classic epics, The Iliad and The Odyssey, became the literary sources and model for civilization and culture in a significant portion of the ancient world.  Timeless truths such as the need for virtue, courage, and love emerge from the grand adventures they describe -- the victories and defeats, the images of honor and civility in the face of barbarism, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in the midst of conflict, war, and death.

 

Background mythological information will be supplied by D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths and supplemented by selections provided by the instructor from Hesiod’s Theogony and the Homeric Hymns. Homer’s Odyssey will be read in its entirety. In addition the class will read and discuss selections from Herodotus, the ‘father of history’, the early medical science of Hippocrates, the genius and eccentricity of Archimedes, some Aesop’s Fables, and Plato’s Apology. Taken as a whole the course will give students a broad introduction to the literature, science, history, and philosophy of the ancient Greeks, the influence of which is strongly felt to this day.

·  Odyssey, Translator Richmond Lattimore

·  D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Mythology

·  Stories of the East From Herodotus – Alfred J. Church

·  Aesop Fables – (handouts)

·  Archimedes And The Door to Science – Jeanne Bendick

·   Hippocrates – The Oath (handout);

·   On Airs, Waters and Places – Kessinger Publishing (June 1, 2004)

·   The Trial and Death of Socrates – Dover Press. Translator Jowett.

Dr. James S. Taylor, Ph.D, has been teaching Great Books to college freshmen and middle and high school students for over thirty years. He has been teaching online for twelve years including work for Great Books Discussions, Memoria Press Academy and the Circe Online Academy. Taylor received his B.A. In Humanities, and M.A. in English from Southern Illinois University. In 1997, he received his Doctorate in the Philosophy of Education from the University of Kansas where he also attended the famous Integrated Humanities Program taught by Professors John Senior, Dennis Quinn and Frank Nelick. His book, Poetic Knowledge: The Recovery of Education, was published by State University of New York Press and remains in print.

 Homer's Iliad and Odyssey and Four Dialogues of Plato – High School Level

Henri Marrou, the leading French historian of antiquity, called Homer the “great educator” of Greece and by extension, the world. The classic epics, The Iliad and The Odyssey, became the literary sources and model for civilization and culture in a significant portion of the ancient world.  Timeless truths such as the need for virtue, courage, and love emerge from the grand adventures they describe -- the victories and defeats, the images of honor and civility in the face of barbarism, and the struggle to find meaning and purpose in the midst of conflict, war, and death.

• Iliad, Translator Richmond Lattimore
• Odyssey, Translator Richmond Lattimore
• The Trial and Death of Socrates: Four Dialogues Dover Press. Trans. Jowett.

Instructor: