Lifelong Learners Center | CALLI Classical and Middle Ages

Lifelong Learners Institute

The Lifelong Learners Institute offers open courses for the community independent of Canisius College degree programs. Our instructors come from a wide range of academic disciplines to give our courses a broad cross-section of knowledge, experience, and experience. No papers or tests are given! Just much good discussion!

Classes meet weekly for six weeks and are limited to 16 students. Cost is $60. Questions? Email us at CALLICMA@canisius.edu.

Fall 2022

From Odysseus to Harry Potter:

The Evolution of the Hero

Tuesdays, October 18 to November 22

1:00 – 2:30 PM

Canisius College, Lyons Hall 122

A scholar once said, “The hero has not disappeared but is reborn phoenix-like.” This six-week seminar will trace how patterns established in classical literature, particularly in The Odyssey, have been revived and modified by writers. The course will look at ancient and modern authors, such as Homer, Willa Cather, and J. K. Rowling, and films, such as All Quiet on the Western Front and Shane, to examine how they envision forms of heroism.

Wk 1: Introduction to heroic patterns

Wk 2: Odysseus in Homer & Tennyson

Wk 3: Literature & film from World War I

Wk 4: The hero in America

Wk 5: The hero in America, cont.

Wk 6: The Odyssey & Harry Potter

Robert J. Butler, Ph. D. is a Canisius College professor emeritus of English and directed the Honors Program for 21 years. He is the author or co-author of several books that focus on American and African-American literature. Butler is the inaugural recipient of the 2008 Honors Professor of the Year Award. This award recognizes a professor who has made exceptional contributions to the Canisius All-College Honors Program in teaching, scholarship and/or service. In May 2022, Dr. Butler also earned an honorary doctorate from Canisius.