CLAS 2220H (36237) SP 2025 Instructor Info

CLASSICAL MYTHOLOGY Dr. Ekaterina But

TuTr 12:45–2:05 pm | Hagerty Hall 043 Office location
University Hall 450B
This course will introduce you to myths about gods and
goddesses, heroes and heroines, creatures and monsters Office hours
that have shaped the cultural heritage of the Ancient
Mediterranean. By examining these myths in their original Tr 10:30am–12:30pm
Greek and Roman contexts, you will gain valuable insights Email
into their social, cultural, and religious significance for the
ancient communities. Finally, you will discover how these [email protected]
myths continue to resonate in contemporary literature, art,
and popular culture.
Communication
You can contact me
At the end of this course, you will: via email, come to
office hours, or make
▪ Learn fundamental characters and concepts of ancient
an in-person or
myths.
online appointment
▪ Gain familiarity with different ancient media that
document Greek and Roman myths. outside office hours.
▪ Complete readings and analysis of ancient sources of I will try to respond
myths. to your email ASAP
▪ Recognize potential biases and socio-political but please allow at
influences present in these sources. least 12 hours for the
▪ Discover examples of how ancient myths continue to response.
influence modern culture and literature.
Readings for this class
1. Ancient Greek and Roman literature in translation: selections
2. Modern retellings of ancient Greek myths: selections

Hesiod Theogony, transl. by M.L. West

Hesiod Works and Days, transl. by M.L. West
Homeric Hymns, transl. by S. Ruden
Ovid Metamorphoses, transl. by R. Humphries
Ovid Heroides, transl. by D. R. Slavitt
Homer The Odyssey, transl. by E. Wilson
2. Modern retellings
Vergil Theof ancient
Aeneid, mythby(selections):
transl. S. Ruden

Gods and Mortals: Ancient Greek myths for

Modern readers by S. Iles Johnston

3. Visual myths: some readings will be accompanied by ancient Greek and

Roman artifacts depicting mythical stories or characters.

Where to find: Most of the readings are available in PDF format on Carmen. The
only book that you need to acquire is Homer The Odyssey, transl. by E. Wilson
(ISBN 9780393356250). It is available for purchase or rent in OSU Bookstore. You
can also find it available for request at OSU libraries (paperback) and the Columbus
Metropolitan Library (paperback and e-book).

In-class materials
Lectures will be recorded for each class and posted on Carmen. These
recordings are intended as a review tool and should not replace the
primary course content.
PowerPoints will be posted on Carmen at the start of each class and will
be available via OneDrive. Some PowerPoints will include notes with
additional information related to the slide.
 Detailed weekly schedule and reading
Course Schedule assignments will be posted on Carmen.

Unit Week Tuesday Thursday

1
Introduction | Defining Myth Creation Myths
Jan 7–9
2 Cosmos and Divine Cosmos and Divine
Jan 14–16 Reading: Hesiod Theogony Reading: Hesiod Theogony | DB 1*
1
Gods 3 Myths of the Human Condition Heaven, Earth, and Underworld
Jan 21–23 Reading: Hesiod Works and Days Reading: HH** to Demeter
&
4 Gods and Mortals: Apollo Gods and Mortals: Dionysus
Mortals Jan 28–30 Reading: HH to Apollo Reading: HH to Dionysus + G&M*** | DB 2

5 Review Exam 1 + Reception

Feb 4–6 Museum Assignment 1 due

6 Introduction to Hero Adventure Tale of Perseus

Feb 11–13 Project Topic Due Reading: G&M + Ovid Met. 4 | DB 3

7 Heracles-Hercules Heracles-Hercules
2 Feb 18–20 Reading: G&M Reading: G&M + Ovid Met. 9

Heroes 8 Theseus Heroines: Deianira and Ariadne

& Feb 25–27 Reading: G&M Reading: Ovid Heroides 9, 10 | DB 4

Heroines 9 Heroines: Medea Review

Mar 4–6 Reading: Ovid Met. 7 Museum Assignment 2 due

Spring Break

10 Exam 2 + Intro to Homeric Epos The Odyssey

Mar 18–20 Project Abstract due Reading: The Odyssey 1-2

11 The Journey The Underworld and Other Adventures

Mar 25–27 Reading: The Odyssey 5-6 Reading: The Odyssey 9-12 | DB 5
3
Greek 12 Back to Ithaca Intro to The Aeneid
Apr 1–3 Reading: The Odyssey 19, 21, 23 Reading: The Aeneid 1
&
13 Aeneas and Dido The Future of Rome
Roman Apr 8–10 Reading: The Aeneid 2, 4 Reading: The Aeneid 6, 12 | DB 6
Epos 14
Presentations Presentations
Apr 15–17
15 + Finals Project Final Version due
Exam 3 (Final)
Apr 21–24 (Monday)

* DB = Discussion Board
** HH = Homeric Hymn
*** G&M = Gods and Mortals (by S. Iles Johnston)
Assignments and Assessments
Readings: Because ancient myths are often preserved in literary texts, the course involves a
significant amount of reading (10-15 pages for each class) that you are expected to complete
before class. It takes practice to develop strengths and skills as a reader, and this course is an
opportunity to do that. Allow yourself time to read carefully and take notes as you go. What do
you find most striking, strange, compelling, or funny? What did you find confusing or unclear?
What connections do you notice with previous reading assignments for the course? What more
would you like to know? You will have opportunities to ask questions and share your
impressions during the lecture.

Discussion Boards (20%): To support your reading comprehension, six (6) discussion boards
with open-ended questions are assigned, focusing on the readings and in-class conversations.
Discussion boards are all due on Thursdays by midnight. Guidelines and the rubric are available
on Carmen.

Attendance & Participation (10%): There are regular opportunities for you to ask questions
and share your point of view in class as well as low-stakes surveys and quizzes that count toward
your participation grade. These are not announced in advance and cannot be made up, but the
lowest 2 scores will be dropped. For every class meeting, make sure to bring the readings
assigned for the day, tools to take notes (notebook and pen, tablet, etc.), and an electronic device
to access surveys and quizzes via Carmen (please let me know if you are unable to do this and
need an alternative arrangement).

Exams (30%): There are three (3) in-class exams in this course for each unit. They include
matching questions (based on readings), fill-in-the-blank questions (covering characters and
stories), and short essay questions (based on discussion board questions and assigned
readings). Each exam addresses the material of the correlating unit. For Exam 3 (Final), the short
essay question is based on the material from the whole course. Study guides for the exams are
provided on Carmen.

Extra Credit: There are in-class extra credit opportunities following Exams 1-3. These can only
be completed in class and cannot be made up.

Museum Assignments (10%): There are two take-home museum assignments in Units 1
and 2 to explore visual representations of myths found in Ohio museums. Each assignment is
available for completion throughout its respective unit (for 5 weeks).

Reception Project (20%): For this project, you examine how ancient myths are reimagined,
adapted, or transformed in a modern medium of your choice. The project must be completed
and will be graded in three stages: 1) selecting your topic, 2) writing an abstract, and 3)
presenting your analysis. Detailed guidelines and the rubric are posted on Carmen and will be
reviewed in class.
Consider important classroom information

Attendance: Attending class is essential for OSU Grading Scale

success in this course, but illnesses and
emergencies happen. You should not attend
class if you are sick. If you must be absent, Excellent
A 100–93
please email me as soon as possible and All assignments are
attend office hours to get caught up. If you
A- 92–90
completed on a high level;
know you must be absent for multiple class the student is consistently
sessions, please contact your instructor present, on time, always
immediately to discuss accommodations. engaged with the class
Lectures will typically be recorded, but I and prepared.
reserve the right to stop sharing recordings Good
B+ 89–87
if unexcused absence rates are substantial. All assignments meet the
B 86–83
expectation, the student is
Important announcements: I send all B- 82–80 usually present, often
important class-wide messages through the engaged in the class and
“Announcements” tool in Carmen. Please prepared.
check your notification preferences to ensure
you receive these messages. C+ 79–77 Average
C 76–73 Many assignments are
Electronic devices: You are welcome to use completed and
C- 72–70 sometimes meet the
your computer or tablet for class-related
requirements; the student
purposes only. Cell phones must be set to
is present but not always,
silent and put away unless you are using
does not seem engaged
them to access Carmen for an in-class with the class, often not
assignment. Using electronic devices for prepared.
purposes not related to the class is
distracting, not only to you but to your fellow D+ 69–67 Weak
students: be considerate of your classmates’ D 66–60 Some assignments are
learning as well as your own. completed but frequently
with errors; the student is
often absent and not
Make-ups: Make-ups for assignments taken prepared.
in class are considered on a case-by-case
basis and require prior approval. Late E <60 Fail
submissions for take-home assignment will Assignments are missing;
result in a 10% deduction per day with the student is usually
maximum allowance of 4 days. If you need absent and not prepared.
accommodations or make-up, contact me as
soon as possible. Please do not share
medical or other personal information unless
specifically requested.
University Policies and Important Statements

Academic integrity: Following academic integrity is essential for successfully

completing this course. Obvious cases of NOT following academic integrity or
"academic misconduct" include submitting an answer you have not written,
copying someone else’s homework, using someone else to complete work for you,
or lifting passages from articles or websites without identifying the source. The
Ohio State University’s regulations on integrity will be strictly followed and
enforced in this class. Please refer to the university’s Office of Academic Affairs –
Academic Integrity and the full text of the Code of Student Conduct.
Statement on AI use: AI (Artificial Intelligence) applications and chatbots, such as
ChatGPT, became useful tools for creating content and analyzing information. At
the same time, they have substantial limitations: they generate inaccurate and false
information, fabricate data and citations, and include plagiarized text without
attribution. Using AI-generated content in place of your own responses is strictly
prohibited in this class. It will be treated as a case of academic misconduct and will
result in an automatic ‘fail’ grade for the assignment.

Statement on the nature of course materials: Some materials of this course include
depictions of physical and sexual violence, slavery, themes of misogyny, bigotry,
and cultural beliefs unacceptable in today's realities. As a scholar of Greek and
Roman antiquity, in my instruction, I will provide a critical framework for these
materials by simultaneously acknowledging their cultural and aesthetic
significance.
Statement on diversity: The Ohio State University affirms the importance and value
of diversity in the student body. Our programs and curricula reflect our multicultural
society and global economy and seek to provide opportunities for students to learn
more about persons who are different from them. We are committed to maintaining
a community that recognizes and values the inherent worth and dignity of every
person; fosters sensitivity, understanding, and mutual respect among each member
of our community; and encourages each individual to strive to reach his or her own
potential. Discrimination against any individual based upon protected status, which
is defined as age, color, disability, gender identity or expression, national origin,
race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status, is prohibited.

Religious accommodations: It is Ohio State’s policy to reasonably accommodate

the sincerely held religious beliefs and practices of all students. The policy permits
a student to be absent for up to three days each academic semester for reasons of
faith or religious or spiritual belief. Students planning to use religious beliefs or
practices accommodations for course requirements must inform the instructor in
writing no later than 14 days after the course begins. The instructor is then
responsible for scheduling an alternative time and date for the course requirement,
which may be before or after the original time and date of the course requirement.
These alternative accommodations will remain confidential. It is the student’s
responsibility to ensure that all course assignments are completed.
 OSU Support Services
Dennis Learning Center: Consider making a free appointment with an academic coach at the OSU Dennis
Learning Center if you feel that you need some help with your studying strategies.

IT Help and Support: The IT Service Desk offers 24-hour support, seven days a week. You can contact them
by phone: 614-688-4357 (HELP), email: [email protected],or utilize Self Service and Chat Support.

Disability Services: If you anticipate or experience academic barriers based on your disability (including
mental health, chronic, or temporary medical conditions), please let me know immediately so that we can
privately discuss options. To establish reasonable accommodations, I may request that you register with
Student Life Disability Services. After registration, make arrangements with me as soon as possible to
discuss your accommodations so that they may be implemented in a timely fashion. Students with
disabilities (including mental health, chronic or temporary medical conditions) that have been certified by
the Office of Student Life Disability Services will be appropriately accommodated and should inform the
instructor as soon as possible of their needs. The Office of Student Life Disability Services is located in
098 Baker Hall, 113 W. 12th Avenue; telephone 614-292-3307, [email protected].

Counseling and consultation services: Mental health concerns or stressful events may lead to diminished
academic performance or reduce a student’s ability to participate in daily activities. The Ohio State
University offers services to assist you with addressing these and other concerns you may be
experiencing. If you or someone you know are suffering from any of the aforementioned conditions, you
can learn more about the broad range of confidential mental health services available on campus via the
Office of Student Life’s Counseling and Consultation Service (CCS) by visiting ccs.osu.edu or calling 614-292-
5766. CCS is located on the 4th Floor of the Younkin Success Center and 10th Floor of Lincoln Tower. You can
reach an on call counselor when CCS is closed at 614-292-5766 and 24 hour emergency help is also available 24/7
by dialing 988 to reach the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.

Instructor / Student Expectations

You can expect the following of me as your instructor:
▪ You can expect to have assignments graded and returned in a timely fashion, with
scores recorded on Carmen.
▪ You can expect timely responses to email messages
▪ You can expect me always to welcome questions or comments on course material
in class or during one-on-one meetings.
▪ You can expect me to consider seriously any suggestions you may have during the
semester for improving the course or making the course better suit your individual
needs, even though I can’t guarantee the implementation of such suggestions in
every case.

I’ll expect the following of you:

▪ Respect for your fellow classmates and different viewpoints shared in class
discussion.
▪ Address any pressing concerns and requests to your instructor in a timely fashion.
▪ Preparation for class, including bringing an electronic or physical copy of the
assigned readings to class.

7
General Education Goals and Expected Learning Outcomes
(ELOs)
The Classical Mythology course aligns with the stated expected learning outcomes for both
the Diversity: Global Studies and Literature (GEL) and Foundations: Literary, Visual, and
Performing Arts (GEN) categories.

GEL | Diversity: Global Studies

Goals: Students understand the pluralistic nature of institutions, society, and culture in
the United States and across the world in order to become educated, productive, and
principled citizens.
ELOs: Students understand some of the political, economic, cultural, physical, social, and
philosophical aspects of one or more of the world's nations, peoples, and cultures outside
the U.S. Students recognize the role of national and international diversity in shaping their
own attitudes and values as global citizens.

GEL | Literature
Goals: Students evaluate significant texts in order to develop capacities for aesthetic and
historical response and judgment; interpretation and evaluation; and critical listening,
reading, seeing, thinking, and writing.
ELOs: Students analyze, interpret, and critique significant literary works. Through reading,
discussing, and writing about literature, students appraise and evaluate the personal and
social values of their own and other cultures.

GEN | Foundations: Literary, Visual, and Performing Arts

Goals: Successful students will analyze, interpret, and evaluate major forms of human
thought, cultures, and expression, and demonstrate capacities for aesthetic and culturally
informed understanding. Successful students will experience the arts and reflect on that
experience critically and creatively.
ELOs: Successful students are able to:
1.1. Analyze and interpret significant works of visual, spatial, literary, and/or performing
arts and design.
1.2. Describe and explain how cultures identify, evaluate, shape, and value works of
literature, art, and design.
1.3. Evaluate how artistic ideas influence and shape human beliefs and the interactions
between the arts and human perceptions and behavior.
1.4. Evaluate social and ethical implications in literature, visual and performing arts, and
design.
2.1. Engage in informed observation and/or active participation within the visual, spatial,
literary, or performing arts and design.
2.2. Critically reflect on and share their own experience of observing or engaging in the
visual, spatial, literary, or performing arts and design.