CLSC / WLT 203 GODS AND HEROES IN GREEK LITERATURE

MEETING DAYS/TIME: TuTh 2:30 – 3:45 p.m. Autumn 2020

CLASSROOM: Remote on Zoom

PROFESSOR: Dr. Timothy Wutrich
OFFICE: Mather House 404
OFFICE HOURS: Tuesdays and Thursdays 11:20 a.m. - 12:20 p.m. by appointment on Zoom
PHONE (Office): 216 - 368 - 6026
E-MAIL: timothy.wutrich@case.edu

ABOUT THIS COURSE

Students read selected works of Homer, Hesiod, Pindar, Aeschylus, Euripides, Aristophanes, and
Plato in English translation to explore the nature and significance of Greek myth, hero-making,
and dramatic performance. The original social and historical context of these works will be
examined, and we will also notice the power that mythic narratives have continued to hold over
the western imagination. Mixed lecture and discussion.

COURSE GOALS AND METHODS

To learn about the Ancient Greeks and their literature through reading selected works in English
translation. To read, discuss, analyze, and write about selected works by major Greek authors. To
look for relevant connections between Greek literature and art and the literature and art of other
times and places. Lectures will provide historical, political, social, and mythic background on the
authors, their works, and Hellenic civilization. Students will read and study Greek literature and
discuss it in class: discussion and class-participation are a vital part of the course. Students
will take three examinations, write two short papers, and make two oral presentations. There will
also be shorter reading, writing, and oral assignments that are part of the homework in any
university course.
REQUIRED TEXTS
You should buy and use all eight of these specific books, since all in-class references will cite
them (page or line number) and all passage identifications on exams will come from them.
Using other translations is not advised. Use of electronic versions (e-books, etc.) are also
discouraged, as they tend to use different page or line numbering.

Homer, Iliad. Trans. Peter Green. U of California P, 2015.

Homer, Odyssey. Trans. Peter Green.U of California P, 2018.

Hesiod, Theogony and Works and Days, & The Shield of Herakles. Trans. Barry B. Powell. U of
California P, 2017.

Pindar, The Complete Odes. Trans. Anthony Verity. Oxford: Oxford UP, 2007.

Aeschylus, The Oresteia: Agamemnon, Women at the Graveside, Orestes at Athens. Trans.
Oliver Taplin. New York: W. W. Norton, 2018.

Euripides, Bacchae. Trans. William Arrowsmith. Chicago: U of Chicago P., 1959, 2013.
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Aristophanes, Frogs. Trans. Jeffrey Henderson. New York: Focus, 2008.

Plato. A Plato Reader: Eight Essential Dialogues. Ed. C.D.C. Reeve. Indianapolis, Indiana:
Hackett, 2012.

REQUIREMENTS
• 3 examinations 20% each 60%
• 2 oral presentations 5% each 10%
• 2 Papers (tba) 10% each 20%
• Attendance, preparedness,
participation 10%
100%

COURSE POLICIES
1. ATTENDANCE: Attendance is required at all class meetings, presentations, screenings of
films, and examinations. Since this is a discussion course, anyone missing more than three
classes is strongly advised to withdraw from the course. Students are responsible for missed
work.

2. Bring the relevant text to class. This is a discussion class, so we will read from the texts and
discuss specific passages together.

3. All writing deadlines must be met. Papers are due at the beginning of class. Late papers will
be penalized with a reduction of one-third of a letter grade per day.

4. Students must take the examinations when the examinations are scheduled. Students must take
the final examination when scheduled in order to pass the course. Please note:

a. MAKE-UPS: Missing scheduled examinations is not recommended. Make-up exams

are not automatic; they are given at the instructor’s discretion. Make-ups will be given to
those with excused absences due to a verified emergency.

b. INCOMPLETES: Since the course grade is based upon continuous testing, an

incomplete grade will only be given for those who miss the final examination on account
of a verified emergency or with prior approval.

5. Students who encounter undue difficulties or have a complaint should consult promptly with
the instructor. I will be happy to listen and help. Students with any sort of disability that inhibits
learning under usual circumstances should ask for adjustments, and should also contact The
Office of Disability Resources by calling 216 – 368 - 5230 or sending an e-mail to
disability@case.edu.

6. Academic honesty. Plagiarism or cheating in any of your academic work is a serious violation
of ethical conduct, will be dealt with severely, and is grounds for an F for the entire course. Such
violations include turning in another person’s work as your own, copying from any source
 CLSC / WLIT 203 GODS AND HEROES IN GREEK LITERATURE / 3

without proper citation, and lying in connection with your academic work. You will be held
responsible for your actions. If you are unsure as to what is permissible, please consult your
course instructor or visit www.plagiarism.org

SCHEDULE OF LECTURES AND PRESENTATIONS

WEEK ONE (24 August – 28 August).

Hesiod, Theogony

WEEK TWO (31 August – 4 September): Add/Drop period ends Friday 4 September.

Hesiod, Works and Days.

WEEK THREE (7 September – 11 September): EXAMINATION ONE ON HESIOD

Homer, Iliad

WEEK FOUR (14 September – 18 September):

Homer, Iliad

WEEK FIVE (21 September – 25 September):

Homer, Iliad
FILM: Troy

WEEK SIX (28 September – 2 October):

Homer, Odyssey

WEEK SEVEN (5 October – 9 October):

Homer, Odyssey
SHORT PAPER ONE ON HOMER AND THE FILM TROY DUE

WEEK EIGHT (12 October – 16 October):

Homer, Odyssey
EXAMINATION TWO on Homer

WEEK NINE (19 October – 23 October):

Midterm Grades due Monday 19 October.

Pindar, Odes

WEEK TEN (26 October – 30 October):

Pindar, Odes.
ORAL PRESENTATIONS -- Pindar’s Odes

WEEK ELEVEN (2 November – 6 November):

6 November: Deadline for credit/audit; pass/no pass; class withdrawal.

Aeschylus, Oresteia
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WEEK TWELVE (9 November – 13 November):

Euripides, Bacchae
Aristophanes, Frogs

WEEK THIRTEEN (16 November – 20 November):

Plato, Symposium and Apology

WEEK FOURTEEN (23 November – 27 November): WEEK OF THANKSGIVING. No

courses held.

WEEK FIFTEEN (30 November – 4 December):

ORAL PRESENTATIONS -- Attic Drama and Theater
SHORT PAPER TWO ON PERFORMANCE OF TRAGEDY DUE

Friday 4 December: Last day of classes. First year students’ deadline for class withdrawal and
pass/no pass option

FINAL EXAMINATION (= EXAMINATION THREE):

Tuesday 15 December 2020 from 12:00 Noon – 3:00 p.m.

YOU MUST TAKE THE FINAL EXAMINATION TO PASS THE CLASS.

ATTENTION: This syllabus is tentative and may be subject to change. All changes will be
made in class with ample time for adjustments.

TRW: latest revision 08/11/20