CLAS 208(S) Ancient Greek Religion (Same as Religion 208)
This course will explore the nature and evolution of ancient Greek religion from the Bronze Age (1200s BCE) to the rise of Christianity, with a special focus on ritual and cultic practices in their cultural and historical context. We will draw on the rich evidence provided by literary and documentary texts, and also take into account archaeological evidence, including works of art such as sculpture and vase painting. We will pay special attention to the role of ritual in civic and political life, and its role in expressing and forming individual and group identity. We will also examine the intersection of religion and literature by reading works that describe or depict cultic practice, or that were composed for performance in ritual contexts.
Format: lecture/discussion. Evaluation will be based on several short papers, a midterm, a final research paper, and class participation.
No prerequisites. Enrollment limit: 25 (expected: 15). If the course is overenrolled, preference will be given to majors in Classics and Religion.
Hour: LOVELL