New York University

Classical Mythology
Discussion of the myths and legends of Greek mythology and of the gods, demigods, heroes, nymphs, monsters, and everyday mortals who played out their parts in this mythology, beginning with Creation, as vividly described by Hesiod in the Theogony, and ending with the great Trojan War and the returns of the Greek heroes, with special emphasis on the return of Odysseus as related by Homer in the Odyssey.

History of Rome: The Empire
In the spring of 44 B.C., Julius Caesar was murdered by a group of senators disgruntled with his monarchic ways. However, Caesar's adoptive son and heir, Octavian, was quickly on the scene and in little more than a decade managed to establish himself as Rome's first emperor. About three centuries later, Constantine the Great would rise to imperial power and with him came a new state religion- Christianity. This course examines the social and political history of the Roman Empire from the time of Augustus to that of Constantine and also closely observes the parallel growth of Christianity.

Ancient Religion: From Paganism to Christianity
The period from the beginning of the Greek religion until the spread of Christianity spans over 2,000 years and many approaches to religious and moral issues. Traces developments such as Olympian gods of Homer and Hesiod; hero worship; public and private religion, views of death, the soul, and afterlife; Dionysus; Epicureanism; and Stoicism. Deals with changes in Greek religion during the Roman republic and early empire and the success of Christians in converting pagans in spite of official prosecution.

CONTACT INFORMATION

For further information on the summer workshop, please contact Prof. Will Batstone of the Department of Greek and Latin by e-mail at batstone.1@osu.edu, or by telephone at 614 292-2744.