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How relevant are the Greek gods for us today? ♀ ♂
The aim of this module is to explain the evolution of thinking about genders through the example of certain Indo-European deities. We will examine Palaeolithic and Ancient Graeco-Roman attitudes to masculinity and femininity through the lens of myths and cultic objects. During the course we will discuss how images of Mars, Venus, Dionysos, Hecate, and other gods and heroes have been transformed in history, and what kinds of meanings have been attached to these transformations.
Through the critical examination of (sometimes conflicting) primary and secondary sources, including visual material, we will discuss changing gender roles, questions of the body, social and cultural norms, as well as the shifting position of arts and science. The module offers a glimpse into social scientific and historical analytic methods.
Students with an ambition to study history, classics, archaeology, anthropology, comparative literature, gender studies, theater, or theology are highly advised to take up this module. At the same time, this course is highly relevant for those who want to pursue a career in art history or media studies.
Module leader: Mézes Ádám Gergely
