Myths are a way of structuring and explaining the world, especially offering tales of origin or founding acts when the world is regarded as one in constant flux. Their narrative and cultural significance changes over time. This course explores the 'after life' of classical mythologies in both text and image by focusing on the Renaissance, that moment in European history when a 'classical revival' reshaped culture. Many of the cultural, political and moral values of classicism are thought to inform the Western world today, so there is great pertinence to studying the intersection of these traditions with contemporary representations also, chiefly in film.

No cost for materials.

HISTART Concentration Distributions: D. Europe and the U.S., 3. Early Modern

Textbooks/Other Materials: All readings are free on Canvas.

Course Requirements: none

Class format: Lecture

Intended Audience: students at any level interested in visual aspects of the Humanities

This course fulfills the LS&A Humanities distribution requirement