For example: Why did the Athenians of the classical era tell stories about how Theseus conquered villains of all kinds, but did wealthy Romans prefer to put up pictures of how the same hero abandoned his poor lover Ariadne on a deserted island? What does a story about Medea as a powerful witch of divine parentage, as the cold-blooded killer of her own children, or as a suffering, abandoned woman tells us about the story-teller?

Classes will discuss the role and functions of myths in various phases of their history, from their shadowy prehistoric beginnings to their reception in the later Roman world, as well as various modern theoretical approaches to the study of myth, such as structuralism and psycho-analysis.

Day, time, location and costs

• 11 February - 20 March 2025 
• Tuesday 09:00-11:00 and Thursday 15:00-17:00
• Oudemanhuispoort D0.09 (on both days)
• € 210 (voor AUV-leden € 189)

Important to know

• The registration deadline for this OUC is 23 January 2025.
• For the current study schedule, please consult the UvA timetable website
• Study material: to be announced.
• You can only audit an OUC, which means that you may only attend lectures and cannot attend seminars, take part in the examination, or obtain ECTS credits.

Docenten

Public programme Humanities

This Open UvA Course is part of the Faculty of Humanities' public programme. Beside Open UvA Courses, the public programme also comprises special lectures and series of courses. The public programme is intended for alumni, employees looking for extra training, and all others who are interested in art, culture, philosophy, language and literature, history and religion.