Module 1: Homer's Iliad
Module 2: Homer's Odyssey
Module 1: Homer's Iliad
Consequences of Anger as illustrated in Homer’s Iliad
This study is based on the hypothesis that the emotions can add ethical value to our own lives and therefore to society. Because the form of a literary work of art can be rich in emotional content; literature is a suitable form in which to begin our enquiry. Emotional responses are built into the work itself into its literary form. In an attentive reader/listener the appropriate emotions can be aroused. Therefore an opportunity arises to assess what we value by our emotional response , and an opportunity for self examination. Homer’s Iliad will be our launching pad to explore the arousal and effect of anger. In what way does this emotion contribute to human flourishing? Over the centuries this emotion has been the topic of considerable enquiry. During our five week module we will endeavour to add something new to the body of existing knowledge.
Course Structure
Session 1:
- Introduction and Overview.
- Seeing life through Anger- In the context of Homer’s Iliad.
- Outline of Epic Poetry.
- Background to Homeric Values to assist in understanding the characters.
- Archaeological background.
- Visual examples.
- Overview of different schools of thought on the ethical contribution of the emotions to society.
- Why assess the effect of anger?
- Modern contribution that the study of the Iliad brings to society.
Session 2:
- A Brief reminder of the function of emotions.
- Book One of The Iliad-The quarrel.
- Visual Illustrations.
Session 3:
- Assess the damage to the Greek army as a result of Achilles’ refusal to fight.
- Chapter Nine-The Iliad-Overture to Achilles.
Session 4:
- Book 16 - The Iliad - How Achilles gets drawn back into the fight.
- Book 18 - The Iliad - Armour for Achilles.
- Book 19 - The Iliad - The Feud Has Ended.
Session 5:
- Book 20 - The Iliad - The Gods Go to War.
- Book 24 - The Iliad - Achilles and Priam.
- Discussion on what Homer’s example has shown us about ourselves.