Myth, Mortals, and Monsters:

Ovid's Metamorphoses

Course description

In this class, we will read the entirety of Ovid's Metamorphoses and examine its reception from the Middle Ages to the present day. The class discussions will focus on themes such as transformation, power and the abuse of power, sexuality, nature vs. culture, and others.

Content warning: We will be reading about and discussing sensitive topics including suicide, sexual assault, and other forms of violence. If you are concerned about your ability to engage safely with these topics, please let me know.

Accessibility: I endeavor to provide an inclusive learning environment. If you experience barriers to learning in this course, do not hesitate to bring them up to me so that I can make this class more accessible.

Technology: We will be using Wordpress for writing assignments, Moodle for the forum and sharing videos, and Zoom for face-to-face discussion. If you don't have regular, reliable access to the internet, let me know and we'll figure out alternative ways for you to participate.

Basic needs: When students have difficulty accessing food or housing, this can have a serious impact on their ability to study and learn. If this applies to you, please let me and the Dean of Students (tfoster@knox.edu) know so we can try to provide you with the resources you need.

Course information

Your professor: Dr. Hilary Lehmann (hjlehmann@knox.edu)

Required book: Ovid's Metamorphoses, translated by Stanley Lombardo (Hackett 2010) (ebook here) or a translation of your choice.

Scheduled meeting time: Thursday 3S (11:40-1:10 Central)

My office hours: Monday and Friday 2-3 Central (or by appointment)

Office hours via Google Hangouts

Learning goals

Students will:

  1. Recognize major themes, characters, and incidents from Greco-Roman mythology

  2. Critically analyze major themes in Ovid's Metamorphoses

  3. Assess differences between ancient and modern cultural norms

  4. Investigate the ongoing influence of Ovid's Metamorphoses on art and culture

  5. Create a new myth and present it in audio and/or visual form

Grade breakdown

Click on each item for a description of the assignment

Class discussion 8 days x 5 points = 40%

Wordpress blog posts 3 posts x 10 points = 30%

Blog comments 2 comments x 4 days x 2.5 points = 20%

Final project = 10%

Extra credit opportunities

Schedule of reading and writing assignments

Click through to see the schedule
Header: Fresco depicting Venus, House of Venus in Shell, Pompeii Image via Wikimedia Commons