Modern Reception of a Classical Myth Essay (Essay 1) – due March 12 at 11:59pm (feel free to submit earlier)
This essay will discuss an example of a modern reception of a classical (Greek or Roman) myth. I define “modern” very loosely—anything from the Middle Ages through the year 2021. Your example could come from a piece of art, a book, TV series, play, meme, architectural element, TV ad, video game, brand name, or something else entirely. It is up to you to choose the example (anything aside from examples I have discussed at length in class), but choose carefully. Some examples will lend themselves to an insightful 2 to 3 page essay more than others. Your example can be connected with any Greek or Roman myth even if we havent discussed it yet in the course, though it may be easier for you to find ancient texts for myths we have already discussed.
Some things to think about as you develop your topic:
Think about what version of the myth is being adapted and what ancient texts we have read (or will read) that treat that myth. Does the modern creator of this mythical adaptation seem to have an agenda? If so, does it differ from that of the ancient authors who treated that myth? What are the contexts of this adaptation (historical, literary, cultural, religious, etc.)? Does the creator seem to have an audience(s) in mind?
You dont have to address all of those questions in your essay, but a good essay will address the ones that seem most relevant to your topic.
Formatting
Your essay must be 2 to 3 pages, double-spaced, in 12-point font, and with reasonable margins. You will submit your essay via Canvas as an uploaded Word doc or PDF. No other file types will be accepted.
Your essay must have a title that offers the reader a sense of what you will be discussing specifically (i.e. more than just the assignment title of Modern Reception of a Classical Myth Essay). Include citations to and engage directly with the ancient texts. Cite relevant ancient texts at least once, and ideally more than once, on every page of your essay. Try to cite an ancient text every time you mention something that happens in a myth. You may cite by page number(s) of the translation or by section or line number(s), if youre familiar with the latter citation method. Dont use online sources if they dont have page numbers or section or line numbers, since youll have no way to cite them. Direct quotes take up a lot of space, so most of the time paraphrasing and citing relevant parts of the ancient texts is best. If you have questions about citation methods, email me. If you use a translation other than one I assigned, include it in a Works Cited page so I know what translation you used. If you use only translations I assigned, there is no need to add a Works Cited page. Works Cited pages do not count as part of the 2-3 pages double-spaced, nor do images (if you choose to add them).
For more information on what Im looking for in the essays, watch the associated prerecorded lecture.
Extensions
I am happy to grant automatic extensions for a deduction of 10 points per day late, including week days, weekend days, holidays, and days the University is closed. The first day late starts at 12:00am (midnight) on 3/13, so for example, an essay turned in between 12:00am and 11:59pm on 3/13 would receive a 10 point deduction. I grant extensions without point deductions only in the case of documented emergencies, so Id suggest completing the assignment early if you think you may be busy in the days leading up its due date.
I cannot read and comment on full drafts of essays before the final version is turned in, as that would give an unfair advantage to those whose drafts I have commented on. That said, I am always more than happy to discuss any aspect of your essay ideas by email or during an office hours appointment.
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