John H. Starks, Jr.,
jstarks@binghamton.edu Library Tower 1116, (607)777-4524 Office Hours: T 10-11am/W 1-2pm Statue of Ovid, Constantsa (ancient Tomis) in
Romania Location of OvidŐs
exile and death |
dies Martis et Iovis (TTh) 2:50-4:15 PM |
Salvador Dali The
Metamorphosis of Narcissus 1937 – Tate
Gallery, London H(umanities) GenEd; W(Harpur
Writing) |
Course Synopsis and Objectives: In this advanced
Latin reading course, we will explore significant selections of OvidŐs epic of
mythic (though not purely mythological) transformation, the Metamorphoses,
and several of his other poems, with a constant eye to OvidŐs many twists and
turns on the presentation of passion, especially as manifested in eroticism,
anger and appetite. Ovid utilizes many poetic and prose traditions to examine
metamorphosis as a process fundamental to the oral storytelling traditions and
mythologies that describe the origins of the natural world. We will read the
entire epic in translation so we may discuss OvidŐs construction of particular
books and his epic styling. Through translation, extensive class discussion,
oral presentation, analytical writing, and scholastic inquiry, instructor and
students will expand our language skills and our understanding of
philosophical, moral, religious, and historical principles fundamental to the Roman
experience. Student reports on other amatory works of Ovid, scholarly articles,
and Ovid in other artistic traditions, as well as an introduction to important
web, library, and database resources, will enhance the equally essential
attention to Latin translation, scansion, and literary analysis.
Learning Outcomes
for General Education Requirements:
Students in H courses will
demonstrate an understanding of human experience through the study of
literature or philosophy.
Students in W courses will
demonstrate
1.
The ability to write
effectively and coherently, in ways appropriate to the discipline and the level
of the course.
2.
The ability to revise
and improve their writing in both form and content. (W courses require 10 minimum
pages of revised and improved writing)