Helen of Troy was a mythological beauty who was trafficked among men at the direction of the goddess Aphrodite, and she’s been held responsible for the outbreak of the Trojan War. Her character is usually defined as an object of desire (eros), and she is often seen as a passive figure at the center of larger events. Yet her role in ancient literature extends far beyond this objectification: she is at various times presented as a poet, a desiring subject, a metaphor for seduction, and a symbol for Athenian imperialism. In this course, students will encounter representations of Helen including those written by Homer, Sappho, Gorgias and Euripides. We will explore how these writers approached or avoided the interior experience of Helen, and what kind of agency and responsibility they attributed to her. As we study the complex persona of Helen, we will engage with contemporary approaches to understanding gender in ancient Greece. We will also explore the construction of eros, and how it relates to subjectivity, persuasion, and politics.

Units: 1

Max Enrollment: 15

Prerequisites: None. Open to First-Years only.

Instructor: Gilhuly

Degree Requirements: WFY - First Year Writing

Typical Periods Offered: Fall

Semesters Offered this Academic Year: Fall

Notes: No letter grades given.