Argonautica: reading group (in translation)
This course will be delivered online. See the ‘What is the course about?’ section in course details for more information.
- Course Code: RG003
- Dates: 08/10/24 - 26/11/24
- Time: 18:00 - 19:30
- Taught: Tue, Evening
- Duration: 8 sessions (over 8 weeks)
- Location: Online
- Tutor: Nikoletta Manioti
Course Code: RG003
Duration: 8 sessions (over 8 weeks)
Please note: We offer a wide variety of financial support to make courses affordable. Just visit our online Help Centre for more information on a range of topics including fees, online learning and FAQs.
What is the course about?
This is a reading group focusing on the only surviving poem of the Hellenistic period, the 3rd century BC epic Argonautica by Apollonius of Rhodes. This poem tells the story of Jason and the Argonauts’ quest for the Golden Fleece, which takes them from central Greece to Colchis, on the eastern shores of the Black Sea, and (the long way) back again. Spanning four books, this poem is about friendship and betrayal; love and war; magic, monsters, and travel.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
Following an introduction providing the historical and literary context to which this poem belongs, we will begin reading the Argonautica in translation. Each week, we will look at different themes and motifs, analyse narrative techniques, and identify the influence of earlier literature as well as contemporary ideas. We will also consider heroism; the role of the gods; family bonds; and landscape.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
• Place the Argonautica within its historical and literary context;
• Demonstrate some knowledge of the Greek epic tradition;
• Discuss ancient myths and storytelling.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is for anyone with an interest in the ancient world. The poem will be read in English translation. No prior knowledge of the ancient world is required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
This is an interactive reading group course. Students will be expected to read some text in advance, and to participate in class discussions.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
You need to have a copy of the following text:
Apollonius of Rhodes, Jason and the Golden Fleece. A New Translation by Richard Hunter. Oxford World’s Classics. Oxford: Oxford University Press 2009. ISBN 978-0199538720.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Another Ancient civilisations class.
Dr Nikoletta Manioti teaches Classical Greek and Latin. Originally from Thessaloniki, Greece, she has a PhD in Classics from the University of Durham. Before coming to City Lit she held academic positions at the University of St Andrews (2012-17 and 2018-2021), at King's College London (2017-18), Birkbeck, University of London (2017-18), and Royal Holloway, University of London (2022-23). She is interested in all aspects of the ancient world, but her research focuses on the family and the representation of space in literature. She is currently writing a book on sisters in 1st century BC Rome. Nikoletta loves teaching in general, and Greek and Latin in particular. She loves learning languages too: she is fluent in Italian; reads French, German, and Spanish; and knows the basics of Portuguese and Swedish.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.
