In this course, we will read a variety of ancient Greco-Roman myths and analyze their adaptation into modern film. We will discuss the contexts of these myths and their importance within ancient society in order to inform our understanding of their modern adaptations. In addition, we will read scholarly writing on both classical myths and the value and/or problems with adapting them into modern film. The class as a whole will be split into units. Each week, students will be assigned a short reading, and the task of viewing select clips of movies or TV shows to be completed before class.

Each week will consist of a short lecture on the context and societal significance of the myth assigned, and the rest of the class will be for discussion of the myth itself and then its adaptation into modern film. These discussions will incorporate scholarly work on both classical mythology and its adaptation into modern film that will be assigned as reading throughout the course of the semester. Some classes will also include watching short clips of film or TV.

All readings will be provided via bcourses. Students who do not have access to Netflix should talk to the instructors and alternate arrangements can be made.

Each student is responsible for doing the readings and watching the assigned movie and TV clips prior to class and participating in class discussion. Attendance will be taken. Any more than two unexcused absences from class will affect your grade.

Over the course of the semester, students will be required to turn in three one-page reading responses comparing a myth discussed in class to its modern film adaptation.

Each student will be responsible for writing a 3-5 page proposal for a modern film or television series influenced by a myth of their choice. Students will be shown examples on how the project should be completed. During the last class of the semester, students will be required to give a brief (5 minutes) presentation of the myth they chose and their adaptation.

Please fill out this short application to be considered for this class! You will be notified of your status by January 25th.