Classics 39H - The Trojan War: history or myth?

Writing Assignment 2: SUBJECTS and GUIDELINES
*due Tuesday, December 9th*

Please choose one (1) of the following two options:

Option 1:
Personal analysis of "the questions" and theoretical constructs based on the archaeological evidence ............. Did the Trojan War actually take place?

You will want to consider:
The question is really four-pronged:
1) Is the story told by Homer history or myth? Was there a war?
2) Where did it take place......Troy?
3) If it is a real event and took place at Troy, When did it take place?
(Specifically, which level of Troy represents the city underseige and sacked? ) and
4) Did the Mycenaean Greeks do it?

You will want to summarize the problems/questions and the theories that you have heard about in class, in the texts and CR or from other outside readings. Then write your analysis and opinions on each part of the problem and the explanations provided by the various authors and most importantly, how did you approach this problem? What was your line of thought? Don't forget to tell me WHY you think what you think.

Once again, remember to follow the guidelines as spelled out on the main assignment page. Most of the information you will need for this assignment will come from our class discussions (cite as follows: class diss. 11/05/07) and relevant readings - you do not have to consult outside sources - only if you would like - and you certainly will not need to consult random internet sources - only those related to the new excavations (linked on our class site) are appropriate. Most of what you should write will come out of your head (or heart) just be able to explain yourself!

For those not presenting assignment #1 topics - you will present one of the following (or 2nd option topic - see below):
Homer and Hisarlik
Metals and the Eastern Mediterranean
Evidence of Mycenaeans
Chariots in the Iliad and during the BA/IA
in a presentation - 10 minutes in length maximum that will summarize the issue/s and their role in analyzing the historicity of the Trojan war. Powerpoint presentation with a few images ancient and/or modern related to the topic is encouraged but images can also be presented in xerox form - let me know in advance to arrange what you'll need. Please see the main assignment page for the presentation dates!

Option 2:
Critical review of relevant contemporary material derived from or based on the Trojan War.

This paper will be an analysis and review of contemporary works of art, literature, film or music that are based on, or adapted from the story of the Trojan War. An obvious choice is the recent Warner Bros. film by Wolfgang Peterson Troy (2004). Another recent film was produced for the USA Channel and is now available on video/DVD Helen of Troy (2003). Books include The Firebrand by M.Z. Bradley (1987) and Troy by R. Matturro (1989), among others. There are also short stories, poetry, comics and operas ................. A good place to start is the last entry in your course reader: D. Thompson, "The Tradition Continues: Troy in the 20th century and beyond," The Trojan War: literature and legends from the Bronze age to the present. 

For this assignment you will want to critically analysize and discuss the material and its use in contemporary terms. Be sure to consider and address where appropriate:

1) the historical/archaeological accuracy of the depiction (setting, characters, props, etc)
2) its adaptation of the Iliad and/or Aeneid (you may consider its use of other ancient material as well)
3) characterizations of the individuals and their cultures, and
4) the significance (if any!) to the present and future study of the Trojan War and to contemporary audiences.

2004 Warner Bros. pictures 

This is a review so you will primarily be expressing your personal opinion/s and should base that in actual examples from the ancient material as well as the contemporary subject matter. Do cite source material where approriate. Once again, remember to follow the guidelines as spelled out on the main assignment page. Most of what you should write will come out of your head (or heart) just be able to explain yourself!

For option 2 a presentation of 10 minutes length maximum, possibly with illustrations (optional) and xerox of text citations, on the adaptation of the Trojan War story in Bradley's The Firebrand. Presentation date is 12/4.

Please come see me at any time to discuss any part of this assignment, including help in interpreting the topic, finding sources, preparing an outline and, of course, going over an early draft of the paper.

Syllabus

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