CLGR 402 Homer: The Iliad (Not offered 2008-2009; to be offered 2009-2010)
From the early archaic era through the classical and beyond, Homer's Iliad and Odyssey simultaneously influenced and reflected Greek conceptions of community, leadership, war, heroism, family, loyalty, the gods, justice, and much more. Nearly all of subsequent Greek literature, both poetry and prose, developed dialogue with these early epic texts. In this course we will read extensive selections from the Odyssey in Greek and the entire epic in translation, focusing on the oral tradition and societal background in which it is rooted and on the unique structure and character of the poem itself.
Format: recitation/discussion. Evaluation will be based on class participation, oral reports, a midterm and final exams, and a final paper.
Prerequisites: Greek 201 or permission of instructor. Greek 402 is offered alternately as a course on the Iliad and the Odyssey. Students who have taken Greek 402 on the Odyssey may elect this course as well. Enrollment limit: 12 (expected: 5-10).