F04-Topics for Myth Papers

Gorgon's head on a silver coin
used with permission

Classics 215: Mythology

Fall 2004

Topics for Papers

The god Apollo on a gold coin of Syracuse
image courtesy of Edgar L. Owen, #3803

Paper #1 topic

Directions:

post a copy in "submit papers to this folder" in the CLA 215 Mythology discussion folder

bring a paper copy to class

length: 600-900

for more information about the format and about the writing intensive requirements, click here

Write on one of the topics below:

1. Several of the creation myths we have covered so far deal with gender (e.g. Dogon, Iroquois, Greek). For two of these, compare their societies' approaches to gender based on their creation myths. What conclusions can you draw?
2. Several of the creation myths we have covered so far deal with generational conflicts (e.g. Norse, Greek, Sumerian). For two of these, compare the reasons for and results of the conflict. What conclusions can you draw?

Paper #2 topic

Directions:

post a copy in "submit papers to this folder" in the CLA 215 Mythology discussion folder

bring a paper copy to class

length: 600-900

for more information about the format and about the writing intensive requirements, click here

Write on one of the topics below:

1. Just as the creation myths of many cultures deal with gender and the place in society of men and women, so too do the myths of the Greek deities. Using the myth of Ares & Aphrodite (Homer's Odyssey 8.266-366 in Powell, Ch 7, pp. 177-180) and the myth of Apollo (Homeric Hymn to Apollo lines 1-29, 45-88, 186-206, 282-304 & 356-374 in Powell Ch 7, pp. 162-165), what picture emerges of the place of men and women in Greek society? Make sure you support your main points with pertinent examples from all of the evidence and cite the examples correctly (when citing from the Odyssey or the Homeric Hymn, use the line numbers given in Powell instead of page numbers).

2. Just as the creation myths of many cultures deal with conflicts and their resolutions, so too do the myths about the Greek deities. Using the myths of Ares & Aphrodite (Homer's Odyssey 8.266-366 in Powell, Ch 7, pp. 177-180) and the myth of Hermes (Homeric Hymn to Hermes lines 1-512 in Powell, Ch. 7, pp. 181-192), what pictures emerges with regard to conflicts and their resolutions within Greek society? Make sure you support your main points with pertinent examples from all of the evidence and cite the examples correctly (when citing from the Odyssey or the Homeric Hymn, use the line numbers given in Powell instead of page numbers).

Paper#3 topic Directions:

post a copy in "submit papers to this folder" in the CLA 215 Mythology discussion folder
bring a paper copy to class
length: 600-900
for more information about the format and about the writing intensive requirements, click here

Write on one of the following:

1. We have seen how myths of a particular culture often reveal societal norms. For one of the myths in Leonard, Chapter 3: The Female Divine, determine and demonstrate three societal norms that the myth affirms (for the culture the myth is from). [NB citing--see post for how to cite].

2. We have seen how myths of a particular culture often reveal societal norms. Using as evidence only the primary sources in Powell's chapter on Perseus or his chapter on Heracles, determine and demonstrate three societal norms of the ancient Greeks [NB citing--see post for how to cite].

Paper #4 topic

Directions:

post a copy in "submit papers to this folder" in the CLA 215 Mythology discussion folder
bring a paper copy to class
length: 600-900
for more information about the format & writing intensive click here
writing intensive--don't forget to turn in the draft copy with my or the Writing Lab's comments on it for it to count towards your revised paper total (and don't forget to revise it!)

Write on one of the following:

1. In Powell's chapter on Theseus, he gives passages from Ovid's writings and from Euripides' -- both dealing with the nature and effects of 'love.' Using solely these passages, compare and contrast Ovid's views with that of Euripides.' [NB citing--make sure you indicate the authors and line numbers when citing both Ovid and Euripides].

2. Determine and demonstrate which is more heroic -- Theseus or Jason -- (and which less), based solely on the selection from Bacchylides in Powell for Theseus (4th edit.: pp 428-9) and the selection from Apollonius of Rhodes in Powell for Jason (4th edit.: 485-7) [NB citing--make sure you indicate the authors and line numbers when citing both Bacchylides and Apollonius of Rhodes].

Paper #5 topic

Directions:

post a copy in "submit papers to this folder" in the CLA 215 Mythology discussion folder
bring a paper copy to class
length: 600-900
for more information about the format and about the writing intensive requirements, click here
writing intensive--don't forget to turn in the draft copy with my or the Writing Lab's comments on it for it to count towards your revised paper total

Write on one of the following:

1. Based on a close reading of these primary sources for Agamemnon (Powell, pp 525-6, 528, 532-3, 536-540, 4th edit.), determine whether Aeschylus and Homer consider Agamemnon worthy to be the leader of the Greek forces at Troy.

2. Based on a close reading of these primary sources for Andromache , Helen, and Clytemnestra (Powell, pp 534-537, 527-529, 550-552, 560-563, 4th edit.), determine how favorably the sisters Helen and Clytemnestra compare to Andromache. Conclusions?