The Age of Heroes: Iliad, Odyssey, Aeneid

This course is a general overview of ancient literature through the analysis and comparison of one of the oldest works of western civilization. Through the reading of some significant chapters taken from the Iliad, Odyssey, and Aeneid, students will examine the aristocratic world and heroes described by Homer in 8-7th century BC in order to reconstruct the society of early Greece. The stories presented in these three works, fundamental for classical civilization, show how Greeks used myth to express archetypal values that became immortal for successive generations. Myths are analyzed not only as incredible stories but also as bearers of important messages about life within society and as primary forms of communication and instruction.