Classical Mythology and Its Media
A.Y. 2025/2026
Learning objectives
The course will consist of a preliminar section that will present some key tools related to the study of classical mythology, with a specific interest in the definition of the peculiar nature of the ancient hero and the presence of some narrative patterns related to it in the Mediterranean area. A specific focus will also be devoted to the survival of the mythical "heroic" narrative in modern and contemporary culture, through literary, iconographic, musical sources, and more generally in new media.
In the second part of the course, the figure of the hero Heracles will be specifically examined: his mythical biography, his deeds, but also permanence in a broad geographic area that includes, in addition to East and West Greek world, the Phoenician-Punic area, the Sumerian culture, the Etruscan world, and again Central Asia, India, and Medieval China. A specific in-depth study will be devoted to the adaptations of the hero in new media (performance art, cinema, music).
In the second part of the course, the figure of the hero Heracles will be specifically examined: his mythical biography, his deeds, but also permanence in a broad geographic area that includes, in addition to East and West Greek world, the Phoenician-Punic area, the Sumerian culture, the Etruscan world, and again Central Asia, India, and Medieval China. A specific in-depth study will be devoted to the adaptations of the hero in new media (performance art, cinema, music).
Expected learning outcomes
1.Knowledge and understanding: Knowledge of the limits and perspectives of historiographical traditions and the problems associated with reading and interpreting the history of classical mythology; knowledge of the basic lines of development of the history of mythology and its channels of communication.
2.Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Ability to critically use the main bibliographical tools to search for information in the history of classical mythology; ability to read (synchronic and diachronic) the main historical dynamics with reference to classical mythology; ability to recognise the value of the complexity and multiplicity of interpretations of the sources; ability to understand, analyse, and reuse the scientific literature related to the discipline covered in the syllabus; ability to compare different hypotheses formulated in the scientific literature and to understand what arguments are brought to support them.
3.Making judgments: ability to form an autonomous, reasoned idea, free from fashions and preconceived theories, in relation to the historical and cultural phenomena of classical mythology; ability to grasp and critically interpret and historically contextualise the complex elements of diversity and otherness of the various mythical traditions; ability to select information for the purpose of formulating one's own autonomous and critically examined judgements; ability to critically intervene in a debate on the value and role of classical mythology for understanding the present.
4.Communication skills: ability to express with logical rigour in written and/or oral form (in English) the knowledge and skills learnt in the course of study of classical mythology.
5.Learning skills: ability to autonomously find and consult resources and tools for learning and updating knowledge and skills in the area of the study of religions; autonomous ability to interpret sources in the study of the religion of one or more civilisations; ability to develop questions in a clear and articulate manner in order to deepen, complete and integrate the knowledge and skills learnt.
2.Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: Ability to critically use the main bibliographical tools to search for information in the history of classical mythology; ability to read (synchronic and diachronic) the main historical dynamics with reference to classical mythology; ability to recognise the value of the complexity and multiplicity of interpretations of the sources; ability to understand, analyse, and reuse the scientific literature related to the discipline covered in the syllabus; ability to compare different hypotheses formulated in the scientific literature and to understand what arguments are brought to support them.
3.Making judgments: ability to form an autonomous, reasoned idea, free from fashions and preconceived theories, in relation to the historical and cultural phenomena of classical mythology; ability to grasp and critically interpret and historically contextualise the complex elements of diversity and otherness of the various mythical traditions; ability to select information for the purpose of formulating one's own autonomous and critically examined judgements; ability to critically intervene in a debate on the value and role of classical mythology for understanding the present.
4.Communication skills: ability to express with logical rigour in written and/or oral form (in English) the knowledge and skills learnt in the course of study of classical mythology.
5.Learning skills: ability to autonomously find and consult resources and tools for learning and updating knowledge and skills in the area of the study of religions; autonomous ability to interpret sources in the study of the religion of one or more civilisations; ability to develop questions in a clear and articulate manner in order to deepen, complete and integrate the knowledge and skills learnt.
Lesson period: First semester
Assessment methods: Esame
Assessment result: voto verbalizzato in trentesimi
Single course
This course cannot be attended as a single course. Please check our list of single courses to find the ones available for enrolment.
Course syllabus and organization
Single session
Responsible
Lesson period
First semester
Course syllabus
The course aims at providing some key tools related to the study of ancient mythology, with a specific focus on the spread of storytelling patterns in both a synchronic and diachronic sense, from antiquity to contemporaneity.
The week-by-week breakdown of the course
Classical Mythology in Media: Female Characters and Strong Emotions
Lesson 1: Introduction to Classical Mythology
Topics:
- Definitions and scope of classical mythology
- Overview of Greek and Roman pantheons
- Introduction to mythological media (literature, art, theatre, music)
- The role of women in myth
Workshop:
- Group discussion and myth analysis
Lesson 2: Female Figures in Greek Mythology
Topics:
- Medea, Clytemnestra, the Furies, and others
- Gender roles and divine vs. mortal women
- Emotions and agency in myth
Workshop:
- Character analysis and debate on motivations
Lesson 3: Female Figures in Roman Mythology
Topics:
- Dido, Juno, Lavinia, and others
- Roman reinterpretations of Greek myths
- Political and emotional dimensions
Workshop:
- Comparative analysis and cultural discussion
Lesson 4: Rage and Revenge in Myth
Topics:
- Case studies: Medea's vengeance, Clytemnestra's murder of Agamemnon
- Myth as a reflection of social anxieties
Workshop:
- Role-playing and dramatic readings
Lesson 5: Hatred and Anger in Myth
Topics:
- Emotions as narrative drivers
- Divine wrath (e.g., Hera, Athena)
- Mortal fury and its consequences
Workshop:
- Podcasting session on myth reinterpretation
Lesson 6: Modern Receptions of Mythology
Topics:
- Myth in modern literature, film, and performance
- Feminist reinterpretations
- Myth in contemporary art and music
Workshop:
- Media analysis and debate
Lesson 7: Female Characters in Contemporary Media
Topics:
- Modern Medeas and Clytemnestras
- Mythological archetypes in pop culture
- Empowerment vs. victimization
Workshop:
- Group discussion and creative reinterpretation
Lesson 8: The Role of Emotions in Myth
Topics:
- Emotional expression in ancient texts
- Theatricality and performance of emotion
- Emotions as cultural constructs
Workshop:
- Creative writing and emotional storytelling
Lesson 9: Workshop on Individual Reports
Topics:
- Review of key themes and characters
- Research methods and source evaluation
Workshop:
- Peer review and one-on-one consultations
Lesson 10: Presentations and Course Wrap-Up
Topics:
- Student presentations
- Recap of major themes
- Reflections on myth's relevance today
Workshop:
- Final discussion and course evaluation
The week-by-week breakdown of the course
Classical Mythology in Media: Female Characters and Strong Emotions
Lesson 1: Introduction to Classical Mythology
Topics:
- Definitions and scope of classical mythology
- Overview of Greek and Roman pantheons
- Introduction to mythological media (literature, art, theatre, music)
- The role of women in myth
Workshop:
- Group discussion and myth analysis
Lesson 2: Female Figures in Greek Mythology
Topics:
- Medea, Clytemnestra, the Furies, and others
- Gender roles and divine vs. mortal women
- Emotions and agency in myth
Workshop:
- Character analysis and debate on motivations
Lesson 3: Female Figures in Roman Mythology
Topics:
- Dido, Juno, Lavinia, and others
- Roman reinterpretations of Greek myths
- Political and emotional dimensions
Workshop:
- Comparative analysis and cultural discussion
Lesson 4: Rage and Revenge in Myth
Topics:
- Case studies: Medea's vengeance, Clytemnestra's murder of Agamemnon
- Myth as a reflection of social anxieties
Workshop:
- Role-playing and dramatic readings
Lesson 5: Hatred and Anger in Myth
Topics:
- Emotions as narrative drivers
- Divine wrath (e.g., Hera, Athena)
- Mortal fury and its consequences
Workshop:
- Podcasting session on myth reinterpretation
Lesson 6: Modern Receptions of Mythology
Topics:
- Myth in modern literature, film, and performance
- Feminist reinterpretations
- Myth in contemporary art and music
Workshop:
- Media analysis and debate
Lesson 7: Female Characters in Contemporary Media
Topics:
- Modern Medeas and Clytemnestras
- Mythological archetypes in pop culture
- Empowerment vs. victimization
Workshop:
- Group discussion and creative reinterpretation
Lesson 8: The Role of Emotions in Myth
Topics:
- Emotional expression in ancient texts
- Theatricality and performance of emotion
- Emotions as cultural constructs
Workshop:
- Creative writing and emotional storytelling
Lesson 9: Workshop on Individual Reports
Topics:
- Review of key themes and characters
- Research methods and source evaluation
Workshop:
- Peer review and one-on-one consultations
Lesson 10: Presentations and Course Wrap-Up
Topics:
- Student presentations
- Recap of major themes
- Reflections on myth's relevance today
Workshop:
- Final discussion and course evaluation
Prerequisites for admission
This course has no access requirements and is not restricted to students in classics. Equally, an introductory knowledge of classical mythology is certainly helpful.
Teaching methods
This course will be conducted through in-person lectures, ensuring a structured and comprehensive delivery of core content. However, the distinctive nature of the immersive classroom environment offers an exceptional opportunity to enrich traditional instruction with a variety of innovative pedagogical approaches.
In addition to frontal teaching, the course will incorporate a diverse array of didactic tools aimed at fostering active learning and critical engagement. These will include:
Structured debates, encouraging analytical reasoning and rhetorical skills
Collaborative workshops, promoting experiential learning and teamwork
Comparative discussions, designed to cultivate interpretative and intercultural competencies
Analytical reports, enhancing academic writing and research abilities
Podcast production, offering a creative platform for reflection and synthesis
In addition to frontal teaching, the course will incorporate a diverse array of didactic tools aimed at fostering active learning and critical engagement. These will include:
Structured debates, encouraging analytical reasoning and rhetorical skills
Collaborative workshops, promoting experiential learning and teamwork
Comparative discussions, designed to cultivate interpretative and intercultural competencies
Analytical reports, enhancing academic writing and research abilities
Podcast production, offering a creative platform for reflection and synthesis
Teaching Resources
All course materials will be distributed by the teacher throughout the duration of the lessons
Assessment methods and Criteria
Student performance will be evaluated through a combination of formative and summative assessments, designed to reflect the course's interdisciplinary and participatory nature. These will include:
Participation and engagement in classroom activities, including debates and discussions
Written analytical report on a selected topic, demonstrating research and critical analysis
Group workshop project, assessed on collaboration, creativity, and application of course concepts
Podcast or multimedia assignment, evaluated for originality, clarity, and relevance
Final oral presentation, synthesizing course themes and personal insights
The grading system is based on a 30 points scale (18 is the minimum passing grade)
Participation and engagement in classroom activities, including debates and discussions
Written analytical report on a selected topic, demonstrating research and critical analysis
Group workshop project, assessed on collaboration, creativity, and application of course concepts
Podcast or multimedia assignment, evaluated for originality, clarity, and relevance
Final oral presentation, synthesizing course themes and personal insights
The grading system is based on a 30 points scale (18 is the minimum passing grade)
Professor(s)
Reception:
Thursday 10.30 (in person), scheduled only
in person, cortile della legnaia, first floor (geography's section, first door on the left); on line via teams (scheduled only)