Week 6 Syllabus: April 28
THIS WEEK WE HIT THE HALF-WAY MARK IN ODYSSEUS’S JOURNEY. Books 1-4 cover the story of Telemachus (his bildungsroman); books 5-8 cover Odysseus journey to Scheria and meeting King Alcinous and Queen Arete; and books 9-12 detail Odysseus’ retelling of his core adventures/trials. The second 12 chapters describe his return to Ithaca: testing the loyalty, planning revenge, killing the suitors, reuniting with Penelope. In respect to Campbell’s hero journey, the epic poem’s first half include Odysseus’ initiation and resurrection (death & rebirth). The second half is Odysseus’ final battle and his return. (We never really see his departure per se, though he certainly crosses many thresholds, both accepts and refuses calls to adventure.) After telling his tale to the Phaecians, we see Odysseus begin, in earnest, his return home.
MONDAY, April 28
Discussion: of the adventure-tales in Odysseus’s hero journey, which is most interesting to you, and why? Why is O and his men lured into this adventure? Does O clever, or cocky? Arrogant, or proud? Wise or foolish? Why do you suppose these tales have endured? What lesson should the leader learn?
Starting to listen to book 11, “The Dead.” This is the symbolic death and re-birth of Odysseus. Pay attention to the lesson each shade tells O.
HW: Read book 11 and 12 for class on Thursday.
3rd period has a one page writing assignment in lieu of the group discussion. Choose ONE adventure from book 9 or 10, and explain the temptation to Odysseus and/or his men, the thematic lesson for Odysseus, and the modern lesson of the tale. The one you may NOT choose is that of the lotus eaters.
Wednesday, April 30
Watching film clips of books 9-12, Hollywood’s presentation of the adventure tales.
HW: You should have read books 11 and 12 for class on Thursday.
Thursday, May 1
Close examination of Odysseus’s journey to the underworld. Brief lecture on ancient Greek worldview.
Overview of ritual, what O. must do to communicate with dead.
Encounter with Elpeanor.
Encounter with his mom, Eureclea.
Watching film version of the visit to Underworld.
Geography of the Underworld: snipped of documentary about the Ploutonian (Hell’s Gate) in Heirapolis, Turkey.
HW: Read book 13 and 14 for class on Monday.