In this class students will understand that the magic of myths lies not only in the stories themselves, fascinating as they are, but in the logic behind them and in their deeper meaning. Myths will be appreciated as a system of beliefs and a way of thinking about the world, as it was created by the ancient Greeks.

The goal for the students is to learn at an intermediate level how the ancient Greeks were structuring their myths and some of the narrative patterns that they were employing to tell meaningful stories about Zeus. 

They will learn variations of certain myths on Zeus and their purpose. And together we will try to interpret and explain them, compare them with other myths, and trace their origins. Students will see that a god or a goddess could fulfill many roles in the ancient Greek religious worldview, Zeus in particular.

We will discuss together how were these stories played out in the sanctuaries of Zeus, and their worship. What did Apollo or Artemis mean to common men and women, to priests and to artists, such as the poets, as well as to the political and social elite of ancient Greece.

We will delve into the buildings and artworks created to immortalize the image of Zeus, sometimes depicted with his servants, sometimes with his children, sometimes with other goddesses, sometimes alone.

We will finally delve into an ancient religion with respect, so as to learn from theses examples two very important lessons: that there is no absolute truth, and that nothing unchangeable in time, when it comes to religious traditions, old and new. 

I have a B.A. and M.A. in ancient Greek and Roman history and archaeology, as well as an M.A. in history and phiosophy of religions (especially ancient religions). I have excavated in ancient Greek sites, I speak ancient and modern Greek, as well as archaic and classical Latin and I have some knowledge of ancient Egyptian (Coptic script) and I am currently finishing my PhD. 

Homework Offered
At the end of the course students will be assigned an (optional) multiple-choice quiz, in order to test their memory, attention and observation. This test may also include one or two questions requiring a very short answer, in order to assess the learners' comprehension. 
0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
I do not believe that a letter grade is meaningful for a mythology class. However, as I often do with my one-time classes, which are always small classes, I communication with the parents and the children directly, providing my personal comments, private feedback and an informal assessment, especially if they complete the (optional) quiz assigned at the end of the camp.
Grades Offered