Sydnie C
- Research Program Mentor
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Expertise
Classics, Ancient Greek, Women in Antiquity, Greco-Roman Mythology, Magic and Witchcraft in Antiquity
Project ideas
Who's the Real Hero of the Odyssey?
In this project, we'll read Homer's Odyssey and discuss what a "hero" was to the Ancient Greeks and how that definition is similar or different to a "hero" today. Then, we'll discuss all the mortals and gods who play a key role in Odysseus' journey home, and it will be up to you to decide who the real hero is. This project can be done by reading the Odyssey entirely in English translation, or, if you have prior knowledge of Ancient Greek, can be done by incorporating select key passages of the original text into our weekly readings. The final project for this could take the form of an extended essay, translation work with an accompanying thematic commentary, a youtube video, or podcast.
Writing Tragedy
In this project, we'll discuss Greek tragedy in its historical context. We'll read select plays of Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides and explore what made their plays so enticing to ancient and modern audiences. Then, you will write your own version of a Greek tragedy. This project can be done by reading the Odyssey entirely in English translation, or, if you have prior knowledge of Ancient Greek, can be done by incorporating select key passages of the original Greek into our weekly readings. If you have prior experience in Greek composition, your own version of a Greek tragedy can be done in Greek. The final project for this could take the form of your written tragedy or a video or podcast performance of your written work.