Ancient Greek Religion

• • "A week-by-week guide to the topics you will explore in this subject will be provided in your study materials."

Others

Pre-requisite: 40cp at 1000 level or above

Special requirements

No special requirements

This unit focuses on Greek religion from the Bronze Age period to the Hellenistic period, ca. 3,000-30 BC. The focus of the unit will be on religion in the ancient Greek world, but continuities from Near Eastern religions and with later Roman religion will also be featured. Topics that will be covered include the nature of the Greek gods/heroes and the moral and ethical dimensions of Greek religion, women in religion, mystery cults, magic, the various settings of cult practice (domestic, state, panhellenic, and open-air), the relationships between religion and aspects of daily life such as warfare, politics, law, athletics, family life, literature, art and architecture, and the changing role and nature of Greek religion in the Hellenistic era. We will also consider the nature of our evidence (literary texts, inscriptions, archaeological remains), especially as it relates to what we know (as opposed to assume) about Greek religion and the piety of the Greeks, and try to appreciate the impact of that culture on our present society

• Short Paper (30%)
• Quizzes (30%)
• Research Essay (40%)