Good stories may endow the disjointed occurrences of everyday life with meaning.  So what’s the difference between a story and a myth? Can myths be true? What was their relationship to religion and ritual in the ancient world and how has that relationship evolved to the present?  Might myths be necessary for community formation and survival even now? And if so, would it make sense to judge whether a myth is responsible? This module will survey mythological traditions of the ancient Mediterranean: Greek, Roman, and Hebrew. We will trace their conceptions from the beginning of the world to the end of life. We will explore the power of myth to convey and contest religious, political, and social truths. Finally, we will engage with some of the most famous ancient critics of myth, Plato and Augustine. Join us as we reflect on the mythic tradition and its influence on us today.

Dates:

• Wednesday, October 18 (The Beginning of the World)

• Wednesday, October 25 (Sacrifice and Ritual)

• Wednesday, November 1 (The End of Life)

• Wednesday, November 8 (Critical Reception)

Time: Dinner is available at 5:45pm, with discussion running from 6:00 PM–7:00 PM.

Location: Seminar Room M20, Harrison College House, University of Pennsylvania

RSVP: This program is open to all current undergraduate students at the University of Pennsylvania and Drexel University. Click the button below to RSVP.