SPRING 1998
MLS 677: THE HERO AND FATE IN THE EPIC TRADITION
STUDENTS AND STUDENT WORK
COURSE DESCRIPTION
This course offers a thematic study of the heroic figure and the concept
of fate in works ranging from ancient and medieval epics to modern novels
and films. In conjunction with the exploration of the philosophical, religious
and ethical underpinnings of epic narratives, attention will be given to
characterizations of fate and free will, the individual and external (natural
and moral) forces, causes and effects of human choices and actions, relations
of self and other, personal responsibility, and ethical issues connected
to heroic motivations and activity. Course requirements include reading
and discussion of the texts as well as the undertaking, completion and presentation
of a term project.
TEXTS
COURSE REQUIREMENTS
1) Term Project & Individual Project Presentation (50%)
All students will be required to undertake and complete a project which
may be an original analytical paper or a creative work such as a short story,
play, epic, romance, or set of lyric poems (10-15 written pages or equivalent).
Also acceptable are substantial and original art works (painting, drawing,
music, film, web sites, etc.). All creative options must be clearly related
to and/or inspired by the class materials. All works must be original and
created during and for the specific purposes of this course. Students will
be asked to make a 10-15 minute presentation in class describing and/or
performing their project. Projects are due on the day when the student is
scheduled to make her/his individual presentation (see Schedule below for
details). Students are strongly encouraged to consult with the instructor
(well in advance of the deadline) regarding the acceptability and progress
of projects. Students choosing to write a paper must follow the guidelines provided by the instructor (Writing
Guidelines for Graduate Students).
2) Attendance and Class Participation (50%)
All students in the class are required to do the assigned reading, prepare
for and attend class regularly and actively and constructively participate
in class discussions and other activities.
See also Grading Criteria for Graduate
Students
COURSE SCHEDULE
Mon Jan 19
Introduction (no reading required)
Tue Jan 27
Epic of Gilgamesh
Thu Jan 29
Epic of Gilgamesh
Tue Feb 03
Epic of Gilgamesh
Thu Feb 05
Epic of Gilgamesh
Tue Feb 10
NO CLASS
Thu Feb 12
Homer's Iliad
Tue Feb 17
Homer's Iliad
Thu Feb 19
Homer's Odyssey
Tue Feb 24
Homer's Odyssey
Thu Feb 26
Virgil's Odyssey
Tue Mar 03
Virgil's Aeneid
Thu Mar 05
Virgil's Aeneid
Tue Mar 10
SPRING BREAK
Thu Mar 12
SPRING BREAK
Tue Mar 17
Dante's Inferno
Thu Mar 19
Dante's Inferno
Tue Mar 24
Dante's Inferno
Thu Mar 26
Dante's Inferno
Tue Mar 31
Faulkner's As I Lay Dying
Thu Apr 02
Faulkner's As I Lay Dying
Tue Apr 07
Faulkner's As I Lay Dying
Thu Apr 09
Faulkner's As I Lay Dying
Mon Apr 20
Screening of Seven Samurai, dir. Akira Kurosawa, 5:30-9:00 PM, CA 305
Tue Apr 21
Seven Samurai
Thu Apr 23
Seven Samurai
Tue Apr 28
Student Presentations and Projects Due
Thu Apr 30
Student Presentation and Projects Due. Course Evaluations (bring a #2 pencil)