This unit studies Greek heroes and heroines from antiquity to the present day. It examines the concept of heroism from its ancient genesis in Greek mythology to the creation of modern literary and cultural heroes. The unit analyses the hero in ancient epic, Classical Greek drama, art and religion, then investigates changing perceptions of heroism in Hellenistic and Byzantine times, including the Christian re-evaluation of heroism, before proceeding to identify and interpret modern ideas of heroism. -- Course Website
Instructor: Dr Ian Plant, Dr Elizabeth Kefallinos