The concept of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not a modern notion; it is as old as warfare itself, though it has been known by different names throughout history. Homer was deeply aware of the psychological impact of war on soldiers, which is why The Iliad and The Odyssey are regarded as profound studies of war and its effects on the human mind.
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We will explore the concept of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as depicted in Homer’s, The Iliad and The Odyssey. We will examine how Homer’s characters reflect the psychological impact of war, trauma, and recovery.
What will we cover?
This study will examine the interpersonal dynamics among the characters in The Iliad, with particular attention to Achilles, exploring themes of friendship and the traumatic experience of war. It will also analyse the symbolism embedded in the various stages of Odysseus’s journey home in The Odyssey, considering how the narrative functions as an allegory for healing.
What will I achieve? By the end of this course you should be able to...
Have a clearer understanding of PTSD
Analyse Achilles’ rage and the impact of grief, loss, and violence on his psyche.
The concept of kleos (glory) and how it influences behaviour in times of war.
Depiction of combat trauma and how it affects soldiers.
Odysseus’ journey home as a metaphor for the PTSD experience - from isolation to reintegration.
The emotional toll of separation, yearning for home, and the challenges of adapting to post-war life.
Drawing parallels between Homer's characters and modern PTSD cases.
How literature serves as a vehicle to express complex emotional responses to trauma.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This course is open to all participants. No prior knowledge, study, or reading of The Iliad or The Odyssey is required.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Presentation and discussion. Participation is encouraged.
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Pen and notepad.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Any other ancient languages or civilisation class. See website for details.
Maria Contos has published many stories with mythical themes. She has also written and performed puppet shows and plays based on myths. She has adopted myths for television and theatre, teaches mythology and runs creative writing workshops. She also teaches languages.
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.
product
https://www.citylit.ac.uk/the-impact-of-war-ideas-of-trauma-in-homer2997167The impact of war: ideas of trauma in Homerhttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/ancient-civiliations-city-lit.jpg2929GBPInStock/Courses/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Ancient civilisations22851177119111921228511771191<p>The concept of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not a modern notion; it is as old as warfare itself, though it has been known by different names throughout history. Homer was deeply aware of the psychological impact of war on soldiers, which is why <em>The Iliad</em> and <em>The Odyssey</em> are regarded as profound studies of war and its effects on the human mind.</p>003030832The impact of war: ideas of trauma in Homer2929https://www.citylit.ac.uk/media/catalog/category/ancient-civiliations-city-lit.jpgInStockDaytimeWedKeeley StreetAvailable coursesOne-off onlyWeekday2026-12-02T00:00:00+00:00BeginnersDec 2026Culture, history & humanitiesRC9042929The impact of war: ideas of trauma in Homer231929Maria Contosthe-impact-of-war-ideas-of-trauma-in-homer/rc904-2627<p>The concept of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not a modern notion; it is as old as warfare itself, though it has been known by different names throughout history. Homer was deeply aware of the psychological impact of war on soldiers, which is why <em>The Iliad</em> and <em>The Odyssey</em> are regarded as profound studies of war and its effects on the human mind.</p>0000-Available|2026-12-02 00:00:00<p>We will explore the concept of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as depicted in Homer’s, <em>The Iliad</em> and <em>The Odyssey</em>. We will examine how Homer’s characters reflect the psychological impact of war, trauma, and recovery.</p><p>The concept of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not a modern notion; it is as old as warfare itself, though it has been known by different names throughout history. Homer was deeply aware of the psychological impact of war on soldiers, which is why <em>The Iliad</em> and <em>The Odyssey</em> are regarded as profound studies of war and its effects on the human mind.</p><p>This study will examine the interpersonal dynamics among the characters in <em>The Iliad</em>, with particular attention to Achilles, exploring themes of friendship and the traumatic experience of war. It will also analyse the symbolism embedded in the various stages of Odysseus’s journey home in <em>The Odyssey</em>, considering how the narrative functions as an allegory for healing.</p><ul><li>Have a clearer understanding of PTSD</li><li>Analyse Achilles’ rage and the impact of grief, loss, and violence on his psyche.</li><li>The concept of <em>kleos</em> (glory) and how it influences behaviour in times of war.</li><li>Depiction of combat trauma and how it affects soldiers.</li><li>Odysseus’ journey home as a metaphor for the PTSD experience - from isolation to reintegration.</li><li>The emotional toll of separation, yearning for home, and the challenges of adapting to post-war life.</li><li>Drawing parallels between Homer's characters and modern PTSD cases.</li><li>How literature serves as a vehicle to express complex emotional responses to trauma.</li></ul><p>This course is open to all participants. No prior knowledge, study, or reading of <em>The Iliad</em> or <em>The Odyssey</em> is required.</p><p>Presentation and discussion. Participation is encouraged.</p><p>Pen and notepad.</p><p>Any other ancient languages or civilisation class. See website for details.</p>Ancient civilisationsAncient civilisationsvirtual232919RC904NONEWed02/12/2614:30 - 16:3014:3016:301 session1One-off onlyWeekdayKSKeeley StreetMaria ContosBeginnersAvailable courses2026-12-02T00:00:00+00:00DaytimeDec 2026Culture, history & humanities2929The impact of war: ideas of trauma in Homerthe-impact-of-war-ideas-of-trauma-in-homer/rc904-2627<p>The concept of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not a modern notion; it is as old as warfare itself, though it has been known by different names throughout history. Homer was deeply aware of the psychological impact of war on soldiers, which is why <em>The Iliad</em> and <em>The Odyssey</em> are regarded as profound studies of war and its effects on the human mind.</p>0000-Available|2026-12-02 00:00:00<p>We will explore the concept of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) as depicted in Homer’s, <em>The Iliad</em> and <em>The Odyssey</em>. We will examine how Homer’s characters reflect the psychological impact of war, trauma, and recovery.</p><p>The concept of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is not a modern notion; it is as old as warfare itself, though it has been known by different names throughout history. Homer was deeply aware of the psychological impact of war on soldiers, which is why <em>The Iliad</em> and <em>The Odyssey</em> are regarded as profound studies of war and its effects on the human mind.</p><p>This study will examine the interpersonal dynamics among the characters in <em>The Iliad</em>, with particular attention to Achilles, exploring themes of friendship and the traumatic experience of war. It will also analyse the symbolism embedded in the various stages of Odysseus’s journey home in <em>The Odyssey</em>, considering how the narrative functions as an allegory for healing.</p><ul><li>Have a clearer understanding of PTSD</li><li>Analyse Achilles’ rage and the impact of grief, loss, and violence on his psyche.</li><li>The concept of <em>kleos</em> (glory) and how it influences behaviour in times of war.</li><li>Depiction of combat trauma and how it affects soldiers.</li><li>Odysseus’ journey home as a metaphor for the PTSD experience - from isolation to reintegration.</li><li>The emotional toll of separation, yearning for home, and the challenges of adapting to post-war life.</li><li>Drawing parallels between Homer's characters and modern PTSD cases.</li><li>How literature serves as a vehicle to express complex emotional responses to trauma.</li></ul><p>This course is open to all participants. No prior knowledge, study, or reading of <em>The Iliad</em> or <em>The Odyssey</em> is required.</p><p>Presentation and discussion. Participation is encouraged.</p><p>Pen and notepad.</p><p>Any other ancient languages or civilisation class. See website for details.</p>Ancient civilisationsAncient civilisationsconfigurable
11921191Ancient civilisationshttps://www.citylit.ac.uk/courses/humanities/ancient-civilisations/ancient-civilisations-11/2/285/1177/1191/11921/Courses/Culture, history & humanities/Ancient civilisations/Ancient civilisations
Modern Greek 2 upper: module 3Full fee £239.00 Senior fee £239.00 Concession £155.00
