Module #1 Introduction to the Epic Tradition Overview of the epic tradition in ancient Greek and Roman literature, its significance, and key characteristics.
Module #2 The Origins of Epic Poetry Exploration of the earliest epic poems, including Homers Iliad and Odyssey, and their influence on later epic poetry.
Module #3 Virgils Life and Works Biographical overview of Virgils life, his literary influences, and his major works, including the Eclogues and the Georgics.
Module #4 The Aeneid:Book 1-3 Close reading of the first three books of Virgils Aeneid, focusing on themes, characters, and poetic techniques.
Module #5 The Aeneid:Book 4-6 Continued close reading of the Aeneid, examining Books 4-6 and exploring Virgils use of mythology and symbolism.
Module #6 The Aeneid:Book 7-9 Analysis of the second half of the Aeneid, focusing on the Italian wars and the character development of Aeneas.
Module #7 The Aeneid:Book 10-12 Conclusion of the Aeneid, examining the final books and exploring Virgils use of epic conventions and Roman ideology.
Module #8 Ovids Life and Works Biographical overview of Ovids life, his literary influences, and his major works, including the Metamorphoses and the Amores.
Module #9 The Metamorphoses:Book 1-5 Close reading of the first five books of Ovids Metamorphoses, exploring themes of transformation, myth, and poetry.
Module #10 The Metamorphoses:Book 6-10 Continued analysis of the Metamorphoses, examining the second half of the work and Ovids use of mythological narratives.
Module #11 The Metamorphoses:Book 11-15 Exploration of the final books of the Metamorphoses, focusing on themes of love, power, and the nature of reality.
Module #12 Ovids Epic Style Analysis of Ovids unique epic style, including his use of mythology, imagery, and tone.
Module #13 Virgil and Ovid:A Comparison Comparison of Virgils Aeneid and Ovids Metamorphoses, exploring similarities and differences in style, theme, and epic conventions.
Module #14 The Epic Tradition:Influence and Legacy Examination of the epic traditions influence on later literature, including the works of Dante, Spenser, and Milton.
Module #15 Epic Poetry in the Modern Era Exploration of epic poetry in the modern era, including works by Derek Walcott, Adrienne Rich, and other contemporary poets.
Module #16 The Epic Tradition and Cultural Context Analysis of the epic tradition in relation to cultural context, including the role of mythology, ideology, and power dynamics.
Module #17 The Epic Tradition and Gender Examination of the epic traditions portrayal of gender, including the representation of women, masculinity, and femininity.
Module #18 Critical Approaches to Epic Poetry Overview of critical approaches to epic poetry, including structuralism, poststructuralism, and feminist criticism.
Module #19 Translation and Adaptation in Epic Poetry Exploration of the challenges and opportunities of translating and adapting epic poetry, including case studies of Virgil and Ovid.
Module #20 Epic Poetry and the Digital Humanities Examination of the role of digital humanities in the study of epic poetry, including digital editions, markup language, and data analysis.
Module #21 Teaching Epic Poetry Practical strategies for teaching epic poetry in the classroom, including approaches to close reading, discussion, and writing assignments.
Module #22 Epic Poetry and Interdisciplinary Studies Exploration of the connections between epic poetry and other disciplines, including history, philosophy, and art history.
Module #23 Epic Poetry and Performance Analysis of the performance aspects of epic poetry, including oral tradition, music, and drama.
Module #24 Epic Poetry and Memory Examination of the role of memory in epic poetry, including the use of mnemotechnics and the construction of cultural memory.
Module #25 Epic Poetry and National Identity Exploration of the connection between epic poetry and national identity, including the role of myth and ideology.
Module #26 Epic Poetry and Transnationalism Analysis of the epic tradition in a transnational context, including the exchange of ideas and cultural influences.
Module #27 Epic Poetry and Postcolonialism Examination of the epic tradition through the lens of postcolonial theory, including the representation of empire and colonized peoples.
Module #28 Epic Poetry and Environmentalism Exploration of the connection between epic poetry and environmentalism, including the representation of nature and the natural world.
Module #29 Epic Poetry and Trauma Analysis of the representation of trauma in epic poetry, including the use of mythology and symbolism.
Module #30 Course Wrap-Up & Conclusion Planning next steps in Virgil, Ovid, and the Epic Tradition career
