This course introduces students to the various ways in which classical mythology was absorbed and rewritten in the English literature of the medieval and early modern period. Students will study translations and looser adaptations of myths gleaned from authors such as Homer, Ovid, Virgil and Seneca, and will explore how and why their myths were rewritten for different audiences (e.g. for men and women) and across diverse forms of English literature (poetry, drama, prose).

2 hour seminar, weekly across 10 weeks

None

None

One mid-term essay (20%) 1,000 words OR one ten minute oral presentation (20%)

One end of term essay (80%) 4,000 words

This course aims to:

- Introduce students to key debates about translation and use of the classics in the period.

- Expose them to a wide range of translations and adaptations from various classical authors, and across a range of English genres. 

- Explore the treatment of certain key myths (e.g. the Troy story) to help develop student's independent research interests.

By the end of this course students will be able to:

- Reflect critically on the place of classical mythology in the literature of the medieval and/or early modern period.  

- Identify, develop, and defend a distinct research area/interest related to the medieval and/or early modern adaptation of myth.

- Write clearly, concisely, and with apposite historical and literary judgement on a range of primary texts.

-Be able to communicate their ideas effectively and succinctly to their peers.

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.