This course focuses on this power of myth, asking how ancient myths have shaped our world, how they are used and contested in contemporary discourse, and how they can serve as cognitive tools for rethinking our society.

In each seminar, we analyze a different myth. We explore its symbolism by studying an ancient text, discuss its applicability to modern society through social-scientific literature, and consider its power as a critical tool by examining its receptions in contemporary film, literature, art, and society in general. Thus, students forge new, interdisciplinary connections between studies of antiquity, social sciences (psychology, political science, sociology, philosophy, science and technology studies), and contemporary art and culture (film, television, video games, works of art).

We focus on three clusters of connections between ancient myth and contemporary society: (1) myths that have profoundly shaped how we think about the modern self, such as Oedipus and Narcissus; (2) myths that serve as powerful symbols in debates about gender relations, such as Medusa and Pygmalion; and (3) myths that influence how we perceive technological development, such as Prometheus and Pandora. Thus, we learn how ancient myths can be applied as critical tools to think through contemporary issues of psychology, gender, and technology.

Coordinator

Koen Vacano

Timetable

All lectures will take place on-campus and we assume you can be physically present during the scheduled hours. You can find the timetable on Datanose.

Course registration

Registration is possible for students participating in an Honours program. The registration period for the Honours courses will be from Thursday, June 4, 10:00 am to Tuesday, June 9, 11:59 pm. You can register through the online registration form that will appear on Honoursmodules IIS. (registration is NOT through SIS)

Please note: Placement is not guaranteed if you register after June 9, so make sure you register on time. You will hear which course(s) you are registered for before the end of June 

For questions about registration, please contact us at: Honours-iis@uva.nl.