What is myth? How do myths deal with fundamental human concerns about who we are and the world we live in? What is the relationship between myth and religion? Why did the Greeks and Romans worship many gods, believe in oracles, or perform animal sacrifice? This lecture-only course is an introduction to the major myths and religions of the classical world using the full range of primary source material: literary, artistic and archaeological. It explores the functions of myth within society and the various theories of myth. The first half of the course will focus on themes such as the creation of myths in the wider context of Near Eastern mythology, the character of the Olympian gods, heroes and their monstrous opponents, divine-human relations, and the major mythic cycles of the Trojan war, and the Atreus and Theban sagas. The second half of the course will explore the nature of Greek and Roman religion in its social context. It considers key elements of ritual action: sacrifice, rites of passage, festivals, as well as the diverse ancient beliefs on death and the afterlife and the role of mystery religions. This lecture-only course will be illustrated.

Lecturers

Academic staff from the Department of Classics

How to apply

You may register and pay by credit/laser card online at http://www.histories-humanities.tcd.ie/extramural after 6 August 2013 or you can download an application form and send it with a cheque/draft/postal money order made payable to Trinity College no. 1 account to: Patricia Stapleton, Extramural Administrator, School of Histories and Humanities, room 3141, Arts Building, Trinity College, Dublin 2.

Applications may be made in person after Tuesday, 6 August 2013, in room 3141, Arts Building, Trinity College, Dublin 2 between 2.30 p.m. and 4.30 p.m. or by appointment (phone 01 896 8589).

Fee

€150 for the course or €85 per term. A concession rate is available to second and third level students and people whose primary source of income is social welfare, health board or a government-sponsored employment scheme.

Time and place

This is a day-time course. Time and venue to be confirmed, please check our website: http://www.histories-humanities.tcd.ie/extramural after 6 August 2013 for update or text ‘INFO’ to 087 2572015.

Duration

The course comprises of one lecture per week over two twelve-week terms commencing Monday, 23 September 2013 and recommencing Monday, 13 January 2014. There is a one week break in each term (4-8 November 2013 and 24-28 February 2014) when no lectures will take place.