From Odysseus to Harry Potter:
The Evolution of the Hero
Thursdays, 1:00 p.m.-2:30 p.m., Feb. 7, 14, 21, 28, and March 7, 14
COURSE DESCRIPTION: “A noted scholar once observed: The hero has not disappeared but is reborn phoenix-like.” This six-session seminar will trace how patterns established in classical literature, particularly Homer’s Odyssey, have been revived and modified by a wide range of modern writers. Seminar topics include The Modern Hero, World War One Antiheroic Poetry, The American Hero and Heroine, and The Contemporary Hero. Course readings will include works or selections from Joseph Campbell, Homer, Willa Cather, and J. K. Rowling. Two films will also be examined in terms of how they envision traditional and modern forms of heroism.
The seminar will be conducted as a series of open discussions and mini-lectures providing necessary background. There will be no exams or papers!
INSTRUCTOR: Dr. Robert Butler Emeritus Professor, Canisius Department of English
1992 Kenneth L. Koessler Distinguished Faculty Award Recipient
This course offers CTLE credit for anyone interested. Please see instructor for details.