Senior Seminar: Greek Religion

In this seminar we will examine the religious experience of the Greeks in all its complexity and variety. Drawing on literary, epigraphical, and archaeological sources, we will study the Greek views of the gods as these emerge from various myths and cult practices, especially animal sacrifice. We will explore Greek ideas of personal salvation, but also the importance of religious festivals for the community, most notably the Greek polis. Finally, while looking at such ancient debates as the sophistic and Platonic critiques of the traditional gods, we will consider some similarities and differences between the sacred in Greek civilization and religion in our own society. The seminar is designed for students with some background in Greek literature and/or history. 3 hrs. sem.