Syllabus for 4/13 through 4/17
WE SEE IN THE ILIAD’s END an unusual peace brokered between the Greeks and the Trojans, as Achilles releases Hector’s corpse to Priam for funerary rites and cremation. Why does Achilles take this step—something he specifically vows he will not do—and what does it mean to Homer’s audience? If Achilles is a conflicted hero—how is he conflicted? What would Jung say about Achilles, and how he is conflicted? This week we wrap up the Greeks and move on to a modern Jungian novel, Life of Pi.
MONDAY: GREY DAY/OFFICE HOURS
Today is a grey day, and you can meet with me during Zoom office hours 12:30 and 1:30 pm.
Check Canvas for the link to Zoom.
TUESDAY: BLUE DAY / No class
Remember, you will be starting Life of Pi this weekend. Pick up either a paper copy or an e-book. I will share out the audio for the text.
WEDNESDAY: GREEN DAY
We will start with a zoom meeting. Check Canvas for that link.
We will then turn toward Achilles. In what way is Achilles a conflicted person, and what mythical lessons should we take from this ancient Greek hero?
We will briefly revisit the Odyssey, where Odysseus visits Achilles in the underworld. Who is this version of Achilles? Does it make sense that this is what happens to him after death?
Homework: Finish reading book 24 of the Iliad.
THURSDAY: BLUE DAY / no class
FRIDAY: GREEN DAY
BEFORE CLASS: begin your analysis of Achilles by reading the following articles:
"Jung and his Individuation" by the Journal Psyche
"Individuation and the Self" by Martin Schmidt, of The Society of Analytical PsychologyFOR CLASS: Zoom discussion….What are the conflicts at the very heart of Achilles ego? Consider his example from multiple perspectives: Achilles the Hero, the Son, the Father, the Child of Divinity, and so on. While discussing, consider how Jung's concept of individuation applies to Achilles.
HW: Two page paper on Achilles and Homer’s lesson for modern Americans.