Interpretations from Greek literature

general courses

The course aims to prepare students for their exam in the history of Greek literature. Besides the history of the literary canon (discussed briefly by genre), special attention will be paid to how it developed and to its reception in the literature and culture of the modern age. An important role will also be played by mythology and how it is reflected in different works (not only strictly literary ones), both ancient and modern. The course will also draw special attention to those myths, figures, concepts etc. that were already interpreted in different ways in antiquity (Electra, Socrates, fatherland…). Different methods of literary analysis will be pointed out.

Knowledge: students completing the course will be familiar with and understand

- the basic terminology of literary studies and cultural studies

-the links between humanities disciplines and the unique relations between different disciplines connected with cultural studies; they will acquire the basics of an interdisciplinary approach in cultural studies

- issues related to the reception of antiquity

- the most important creators of European culture

- classical philosophy authors and their ideas

- the basic methods of interpreting a literary text and a textual historical source

- the importance of the complex nature of language in philological and cultural studies research, be familiar with the principles of the semiotics of language and culture

Skills: students completing the course will be able to

- interpret literary texts referencing the heritage of antiquity

- write and present a study on the reception of a work of ancient culture in later periods

- take part in discussions on cultural studies topics, including presenting logical argumentation and drawing critical conclusions

- present the results of their own analysis of a simple research problem in written and oral form

- autonomously identify the main theses of an oral presentation / written text in Polish and in a selected language of the Mediterranean area

- produce a written and oral presentation taking into account the different needs of their prospective audience, using basic digital tools and internet resources useful for this purpose

Social competences: students completing the course will be ready to

- carry out the work plan of their contribution to a class, according to the teacher’s guidelines

- be aware of the importance of ancient heritage in European culture

- understand the importance of preserving the richness, integrity and awareness of Europe’s cultural heritage, including the individual traditions of the Mediterranean area

Semester composition and student’s activity during classes are assessed.