The symposium (or συμπoσιον) was for centuries an important part of ancient Greek culture (and ancient Roman culture, too; the Romans admired Greek culture and literature very much, and so they "borrowed" quite a bit from the Greeks, including their own version of the symposium, called a convivium). Symposia were essentially intimate dinner parties at a private home; after the main meal, the attendants would gather to drink wine, nibble on snacks, and indulge in all manner of literary and artistic entertainment:  reciting poetry, discussing literature and philosophy, debating history and politics, singing, listening to live music, and more. We still use the term "symposium" today to describe conferences or meetings that revolve around a specific subject.

This course is the fourth in a series of symposium-style courses (the first being the Story of the Trojan Horse, the second being the Story of Eros and Psyche, and the third being the Story of Achilles). Please note that these classes can be taken in any order, and there is no prior knowledge required for this course. Take one mythology symposium course, or take them all--each class is a standalone course, and can be taken alone or in conjunction with other courses in the symposium series. 

In this course, we'll have our own symposium, and the topic will be mythology--specifically, the myths and stories surrounding Circe, one of the most infamous witchy women in Greek mythology. The daughter of the Greek sun god, Helios, Circe was a minor goddess and sorceress who lived on the mythical island of Aeaea. The sister of Pasiphae and the aunt of Medea (both of whom are infamous in their own right in Greek mythology!), her story intersects with those of the Greek heroes Odysseus and Jason. The most complete story we have of Circe is told in the Odyssey, Homer's epic tale of Odysseus's exploits after the Trojan War. The Odyssey is one of the oldest works of literature still in existence today, and its stories are still being told today in art, literature, and film. Ovid, a famous Roman poet writing in the age of Rome's first emperor, Augustus, also told many stories about Circe in his epic narrative poem, the Metamorphoses. In this course, we'll explore the many myths surrounding Circe, and we'll learn also some of the stories of those who are associated with her. Circe is a fascinating figure in mythology; not only are the stories about her intriguing, but she is a powerful female figure who occupies an interesting role in many male-dominated tales. 

This course is designed to feature some of the hallmarks of a true classical symposium. In keeping with the tradition of poetry recitation, I will read, in ancient Greek, a short passage (or passages) from Homer's Odyssey (please note:  the Greek reading is so that students can hear the language; this is not a language course, so language learning is not part of the class); I may also read a Latin passage from Ovid's Metamorphoses. Together as a class, we'll also read some short passages in English. From there, via around-the-campfire style storytelling, I will weave the stories surrounding Circe. This course will make use of slides to introduce new material and to provide visual representations of art and literature. Ongoing dialogue and conversation, questions directed to students from the teacher (and from students to the teacher!), and reading aloud are all part of this course (please note that although I will be reading aloud, students are free to listen OR to join in the reading; it is their choice, and there is no pressure to participate in this way); discussion and questions are not just welcomed, but encouraged! 

As food and drink were an important part of a symposium, we'll seek to recreate that with traditional symposium snacks (please see the supply list for more details!), and while the traditional wine isn't age appropriate, a more appropriate drink like water or juice is a suitable replacement. (Please note that students should not feel obligated to eat or drink if they do not wish to; the food is meant to enhance the experience, but it's far from necessary.)

A symposium was an occasion for people to gather together for entertainment and learning. This course is one of many symposium-style courses, with each course designed to feature a different topic. This course has no prerequisites, and it is ideal for learners who love mythology, who have a curiosity about the classical world, or who enjoy good stories. Let's sit down to a symposium together!