# Classical Mythology

**Source**: https://www.uva.nl/en/programmes/open-programmes-humanities/classical-mythology/classical-mythology.html?origin=8P%2Bydhc4QWqguxxA7xCpKg
**Parent**: https://www.uva.nl/en/education/open-programmes/open-programmes.html

Open Programme

# Classical Mythology

Myths have no definitive versions. They are traditional stories that have changed throughout their history, and are still being adapted. They are mirrors of the cultures in which they are told. This module consists of a series of lectures on Greek and Roman mythology, each focusing on one or two famous or less well-known stories from this fascinating corpus.

For example: Why did the Athenians of the classical era tell stories about how Theseus conquered villains of all kinds, but did wealthy Romans prefer to put up pictures of how the same hero abandoned his poor lover Ariadne on a deserted island? What does a story about Medea as a powerful witch of divine parentage, as the cold-blooded killer of her own children, or as a suffering, abandoned woman tells us about the story-teller?

Classes will discuss the role and functions of myths in various phases of their history, from their shadowy prehistoric beginnings to their reception in the later Roman world, as well as various modern theoretical approaches to the study of myth, such as structuralism and psycho-analysis.

## Day, time, location and costs

- **10 February** - 19 March 2026
- Tuesday 09:00-11:00 and Thursday 15:00-17:00
- [REC](https://www.uva.nl/en/shared-content/locaties/en/roeterseiland/rec-m.html) M1.01 (on Tuesday) and [Oudemanhuispoort](https://www.uva.nl/en/locations/binnenstad/oudemanhuispoort.html) D0.09 (on Thursday)
- € 210 (voor AUV-leden € 189)

[Registration and Payment](https://www.aanmelder.nl/171843)

*Registration for this OUC is no longer possible, as all places have been booked.*

## Important to know

- For the current study schedule, please consult the [UvA timetable website](https://rooster.uva.nl/schedule)
- You can only audit an OUC, which means that you may only attend lectures and cannot attend seminars, take part in the examination, or obtain ECTS credits.

### Study material

- Helen Morales, *Classical Mythology. A Very Short Introduction*, 2007.
- Natalie Haynes, *Pandora's Jar*, 2021. This book is also available in an excellent Dutch translation: *De kruik van Pandora.*

## Lecturer

Dr. S.M.J. (Sofie) Remijsen

Faculty of Humanities

Geschiedenis

[S.M.J.Remijsen@uva.nl](mailto:S.M.J.Remijsen@uva.nl)

## Public programme Humanities

This Open UvA Course is part of the Faculty of Humanities' public programme. Beside Open UvA Courses, the public programme also comprises special lectures and series of courses. The public programme is intended for alumni, employees looking for extra training, and all others who are interested in art, culture, philosophy, language and literature, history and religion.

[See all Open UvA Courses in Humanities](https://is.uva.nl/publieksprogramma/programma.html)

Facts & Figures

Mode
:   Open UvA Course

Language of instruction
:   English

Starts in
:   February