Some stories are so important to people that they continue to be retold for thousands of years.
Powerful stories, such as that of Troy, may be represented in art, architecture, history, philosophy, music and film, as well as in literary texts.
Stories and works of art are created and retold in particular times and places; it is important to understand the historical context of each story in order to better understand and enjoy the story.
Studying such related stories and art is a great way to get a sense of the past and its connections to the present.
Human ideas about what a person is and what is worth living and/or dying for change over time.
Understanding such changes helps us to understand ourselves.
By the end of this course you should be able to:
read a Troy story from another time and place with pleasure and understanding;
write about various aspects of the literary and artistic tradition of Troy, from different times and places, explaining how they are the same, how they are different, and so what;
recognize some of the literary, artistic and other cultural traditions that carry themes and ideas from one time and place to the next, creating an intellectual history of human civilization.
