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Alex Lee
Hello and welcome to this course. I know Greek mythology can be a heavy subject with a lot of names and a lot of action, but to be honest, it doesn’t have to be that way. When I designed this course, I didn’t want it to be a plain ‘name dropping’ course with a bunch of years and soo much information, that by the end of it you wouldn’t be able to remember any. In my opinion, no matter the age, learning should be fun. So I have introduced real places that are connected to the ancient Greek gods, and archaeological discoveries; words that have a story to tell us, thousands of years later; ancient recipes that the Greeks were preparing while teaching their children of the mighty gods and all that the Gods did for them; natural phenomena that the ancient Greeks described or personified through mythology. Bottom line is, mythology should not be boring. If its boring, you are doing it wrong. So why not embark with me onto this journey of discovery and see the ancient Gods for yourself? Come meet the Greeks and their heroes. Hear them talk about the mythical creatures the Gods created and the spirits of Nature. Discover a wonderful world, 4000 years old and filled with adventure. I'm Alex and I am looking forward to meet you.
Register for this course and see more details by visiting:
OpenCourser.com/course/a1gvg9/greek
What's inside
Learning objectives
- After completing this course, you will have a good grasp on who the titans were
- We will look into the olympian gods and goddesses
- Will go on adventures with ancient greece's most famous heroes
- And we will also look at some fierce and powerful mythical creatures from ancient greece
- Close to the end of the course, we will look at some of the words we use today in the english language and the story behind them
- And finally, we will have some great ancient recipes to try out
- After completing this course, you will have a good grasp on who the titans were
- We will look into the olympian gods and goddesses
- Will go on adventures with ancient greece's most famous heroes
- And we will also look at some fierce and powerful mythical creatures from ancient greece
- Close to the end of the course, we will look at some of the words we use today in the english language and the story behind them
- And finally, we will have some great ancient recipes to try out
Syllabus
Introduction
Who were the Titans, where did they live and why have they disappeared?
In this video we will talk about the Primordial gods (second generation of gods) known as the Titans. We will look at them individually and will also see the connection between them and our own world today, 4000 years later.
Read more
Syllabus
Introduction
Who were the Titans, where did they live and why have they disappeared?
In this video we will talk about the Primordial gods (second generation of gods) known as the Titans. We will look at them individually and will also see the connection between them and our own world today, 4000 years later.
Read more
In this chapter we will look at some of the children Zeus had. Keep in mind that Zeus had over one hundred children, so it will be close to impossible to cover everyone in one course.
Traffic lights
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause and
possible dealbreakers
Introduces real places, archaeological discoveries, and ancient recipes, enriching the study of mythology with tangible connections to the ancient world
Explores the connection between ancient Greek words and their modern usage, offering insights into the enduring legacy of the Greek language
Covers a wide range of topics, from Titans and Olympians to heroes, villains, and mythical creatures, providing a comprehensive overview of Greek mythology
Includes sections on less famous deities, broadening the scope of study beyond the well-known figures of Greek mythology
Examines the origins of natural phenomena through the lens of Greek myths, offering a unique perspective on ancient explanations of the world
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Reviews summary
Engaging, accessible greek mythology intro
According to learners, this course provides a largely positive and highly engaging introduction to Greek mythology. Students frequently highlight the instructor's passion and clear delivery, which makes the complex subject matter easy to understand and fun. The course is particularly praised as a great starting point for beginners, offering a solid overview of key gods, heroes, and creatures. Many reviewers appreciate the inclusion of unique cultural elements like ancient recipes, word origins, and connections to real places, which add a refreshing dimension. While some experienced learners found it a bit basic, the consensus is that it is an accessible and enjoyable way to explore the ancient Greek world.
Subject matter is made easy to understand.
"Complex mythological concepts were broken down simply and made very accessible."
"The way information was presented ensured it wasn't just 'name dropping' as the description promised."
"Even though there are many names, the structure helps you keep track and understand the relationships."
"Everything was explained clearly, making it easy to follow along."
Perfect foundation for beginners.
"As someone completely new to mythology, this course gave me an excellent starting point and clear overview."
"It covers all the key figures and stories needed to get a good grasp of the basics."
"Ideal for anyone who wants to dip their toes into Greek myths without feeling overwhelmed."
"Provides a solid foundation without getting too deep into academic jargon."
Adds depth with recipes, words, real places.
"The sections on ancient recipes and the origins of English words were fantastic and unique additions."
"Connecting the mythology to real places and archaeological finds was incredibly insightful."
"I really enjoyed how the course tied myths to everyday life and history through food and language."
"These cultural links made the ancient world feel much more real and relatable."
Instructor's passion makes complex topics fun.
"The instructor's enthusiasm is contagious and makes the lectures incredibly engaging and easy to follow."
"I loved the way the presenter delivered the content; his passion for the subject really came through."
"He made learning about Greek mythology feel like an exciting journey, not a dry history lesson."
"The teaching style is dynamic and keeps your attention from start to finish."
May be too simple for experienced learners.
"If you already have a solid background in Greek mythology, this course might feel a bit too basic."
"I was hoping for a more in-depth look at some lesser-known myths or philosophical connections."
"Good recap, but didn't offer much new information for someone familiar with the subject."
"Better suited for total beginners than those seeking advanced study."
Activities
Be better prepared
before
your course. Deepen your understanding
during
and
after
it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered
in Greek Mythology, a course created for everyone with these
activities:
Review Ancient Greek History
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of Ancient Greek history to provide a solid foundation for understanding the context of the myths.
Show steps
-
Review key events and figures in Ancient Greek history.
-
Focus on the periods relevant to the myths covered in the course.
-
Take a practice quiz on Ancient Greek history.
Read 'Mythos' by Stephen Fry
Show steps
Read a modern retelling of Greek myths to make the material more approachable and engaging.
View
Odyssey
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read 'Mythos' by Stephen Fry.
-
Take notes on the key characters and events.
-
Reflect on the themes and messages of the myths.
Create a Family Tree of the Gods
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of the complex relationships between the Greek gods by creating a visual family tree.
Show steps
-
Research the lineage of the major Greek gods and goddesses.
-
Create a visual representation of the family tree.
-
Include key relationships and connections.
-
Share your family tree with other students for feedback.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Read 'Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief'
Show steps
Explore a modern interpretation of Greek mythology to see how these stories continue to resonate today.
View
The House of Hades: The Graphic Novel (Heroes...
on Amazon
Show steps
-
Read 'Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief'.
-
Identify the Greek myths and characters that are referenced in the book.
-
Compare and contrast the book's interpretation of the myths with the original stories.
Write a Short Story Based on a Myth
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of a specific myth by creatively retelling it in your own words.
Show steps
-
Choose a Greek myth that resonates with you.
-
Outline the key events and characters of the myth.
-
Write a short story retelling the myth from a unique perspective.
-
Share your story with others and get feedback.
Create a Presentation on a Mythical Creature
Show steps
Research and present information on a specific mythical creature to deepen your understanding of its significance in Greek mythology.
Show steps
-
Choose a mythical creature from Greek mythology.
-
Research the creature's origins, powers, and role in the myths.
-
Create a presentation with visuals and engaging content.
-
Present your findings to other students.
Research Archaeological Sites Related to Myths
Show steps
Explore the real-world locations associated with Greek myths to connect the stories to tangible places.
Show steps
-
Identify archaeological sites that are linked to specific Greek myths.
-
Research the history and significance of these sites.
-
Create a report or presentation summarizing your findings.
-
Share your research with other students.
Review Ancient Greek History
Show steps
Refresh your knowledge of Ancient Greek history to provide a solid foundation for understanding the context of the myths.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Review key events and figures in Ancient Greek history.
- Focus on the periods relevant to the myths covered in the course.
- Take a practice quiz on Ancient Greek history.
Read 'Mythos' by Stephen Fry
Show steps
Read a modern retelling of Greek myths to make the material more approachable and engaging.
View
Odyssey
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read 'Mythos' by Stephen Fry.
- Take notes on the key characters and events.
- Reflect on the themes and messages of the myths.
Create a Family Tree of the Gods
Show steps
Solidify your understanding of the complex relationships between the Greek gods by creating a visual family tree.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Research the lineage of the major Greek gods and goddesses.
- Create a visual representation of the family tree.
- Include key relationships and connections.
- Share your family tree with other students for feedback.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Read 'Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief'
Show steps
Explore a modern interpretation of Greek mythology to see how these stories continue to resonate today.
View
The House of Hades: The Graphic Novel (Heroes...
on Amazon
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Read 'Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief'.
- Identify the Greek myths and characters that are referenced in the book.
- Compare and contrast the book's interpretation of the myths with the original stories.
Write a Short Story Based on a Myth
Show steps
Deepen your understanding of a specific myth by creatively retelling it in your own words.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a Greek myth that resonates with you.
- Outline the key events and characters of the myth.
- Write a short story retelling the myth from a unique perspective.
- Share your story with others and get feedback.
Create a Presentation on a Mythical Creature
Show steps
Research and present information on a specific mythical creature to deepen your understanding of its significance in Greek mythology.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Choose a mythical creature from Greek mythology.
- Research the creature's origins, powers, and role in the myths.
- Create a presentation with visuals and engaging content.
- Present your findings to other students.
Research Archaeological Sites Related to Myths
Show steps
Explore the real-world locations associated with Greek myths to connect the stories to tangible places.
Show steps
Show steps
Show steps
- Identify archaeological sites that are linked to specific Greek myths.
- Research the history and significance of these sites.
- Create a report or presentation summarizing your findings.
- Share your research with other students.
Career center
Learners who complete Greek Mythology, a course created for everyone will develop knowledge and skills
that may be useful to these careers:
Tour Guide
Tour Guide
A tour guide leads individuals or groups on excursions, providing information and insights about places of interest. This course helps a tour guide, especially one operating in Greece or museums with Greek artifacts, because it offers an engaging introduction to Greek mythology. The course's focus on real places connected to the ancient Greek gods and archaeological discoveries provides specific content that a tour guide can use to enhance tours. The course's exploration of heroes and mythical creatures can add depth and storytelling to the tour experience. A tour guide stands to benefit from this course.
Writer
Writer
Writers create content for various media, including books, articles, and websites. This course helps a writer seeking to explore or incorporate Greek mythology into their work. The course's approach to the Titans, Olympian gods, heroes, and mythical creatures offers valuable background knowledge and inspiration. The emphasis on the stories behind words of Greek origins can also enrich a writer's vocabulary and understanding of language. This course will be a boon to any writer.
Podcaster
Podcaster
Podcasters create and host audio programs on a variety of topics. This course may be useful for a podcaster looking to create episodes on Greek mythology. The course provides an accessible introduction to the Titans, Olympian gods, heroes, and mythical creatures, which can be translated to entertaining and informing podcast episodes. The emphasis on the stories behind words of Greek origin can also add depth and interest to a podcast. This course will be of great value to the podcaster.
Content Creator
Content Creator
Content creators produce engaging material for various platforms, such as blogs, social media, and video channels. This course helps a content creator interested in making material about Greek mythology. The course's accessible approach to the Titans, Olympian gods, heroes, and mythical creatures provides a solid foundation for accurate and engaging content. The emphasis on storytelling and real-world connections can help content creators develop unique and informative pieces. A content creator interested in mythology will get a wealth of ideas from this course.
Historical Novelist
Historical Novelist
A historical novelist researches and writes novels set in the past. This course helps historical novelists who want to write about ancient Greece. The course provides an overview of the Titans, Olympian gods, heroes, and mythical creatures, which serves as a background for writing about that era. The course can spur fresh ideas for historical fiction. Thanks to this course, the historical novelist will be sure to capture the ancient Greek atmosphere.
Video Game Designer
Video Game Designer
Video game designers create the concepts, characters, and stories for video games. This course helps a video game designer interested in incorporating Greek mythology into their games. The course's accessible presentation of the Titans, Olympian gods, heroes, and mythical creatures provides a foundation for game development. The exploration of ancient recipes and inventions adds creative possibilities for in-game content and quests. The video game designer will find much to work with from this course.
Scriptwriter
Scriptwriter
Scriptwriters write scripts for films, television shows, and theater productions. This course may be useful for a scriptwriter interested in adapting Greek myths or creating original stories inspired by them. The course provides an introduction to Greek mythology, by covering the Titans, Olympian Gods, heroes, and mythical creatures. The course can give scriptwriters useful insights that can translate into successful projects. Aspiring scriptwriters should give this course a try.
Secondary School Teacher
Secondary School Teacher
A secondary school teacher educates students in middle school and high school, often specializing in a particular subject area. This course helps secondary school teachers, particularly those teaching history, literature, or classical studies, to enrich their understanding of Greek mythology. The course presents the Titans, Olympian Gods, heroes, and mythical creatures in an accessible way. The course's emphasis on real places, archaeological discoveries, and the origins of words can be valuable for creating engaging lesson plans. A secondary school teacher will appreciate this course.
Heritage Manager
Heritage Manager
A heritage manager works to preserve and promote historical and cultural sites. This course helps a heritage manager working with sites related to ancient Greece. The course provides an accessible introduction to Greek mythology, which is essential for understanding the significance of these sites. The course presents the Titans, Olympian Gods, heroes, and mythical creatures in an accessible way. The heritage manager will find this course invaluable.
Museum curator
Museum curator
A museum curator is responsible for overseeing collections of artifacts and historical documents. This course may be useful for a curator because it provides an accessible and engaging introduction to Greek mythology, which is often featured in museum exhibits. Exploring the stories of the Titans, Olympian gods, heroes, and mythical creatures can give a curator valuable background knowledge. The course's emphasis on real places and archaeological discoveries can also inform exhibit design and interpretation. The focus on words with ancient Greek origins is another reason why aspiring museum curators might find this course insightful.
Academic Researcher
Academic Researcher
Academic researchers conduct in-depth studies on specific topics, often requiring advanced degrees. This course may be useful for an academic researcher focusing on ancient Greek culture, mythology, or linguistics, mostly due to its examination of the Titans, Olympian Gods, heroes, and mythical creatures. The course's exploration of ancient words and their origins can also provide valuable insights for linguistic research. An academic researcher may want to consider this course.
Illustrator
Illustrator
Illustrators create images for books, magazines, websites, and other media. This course may be useful for an illustrator who wants to create artwork inspired by Greek mythology. Providing a accessible introduction to Greek mythology, especially the gods, heroes, and mythical creatures, the course offers rich inspiration for visual storytelling. The course's exploration of ancient recipes and inventions can also spark creative ideas for illustrations. The illustrator will benefit from the vivid imagery.
Librarian
Librarian
Librarians manage and organize information resources, including books, manuscripts, and digital media. This course may be useful for a librarian because it provides an introduction to Greek mythology, a subject frequently encountered in literature and research. The course's engaging approach can help librarians better understand and recommend mythology-related materials to patrons. The exploration of ancient Greek words and their origins also provides context for linguistic research. A librarian looking to learn more about mythology should consider this course.
Editor
Editor
Editors review and prepare written material for publication, ensuring clarity, accuracy, and consistency. This course may be useful for an editor working with content related to Greek mythology or ancient history. Providing an engaging introduction to Greek mythology, particularly the gods, heroes, and mythical creatures, the course offers a solid foundation for evaluating and improving related texts. The course's exploration of ancient words and their origins can also enhance an editor's linguistic understanding. The editor working in publishing will find this course helpful.
Consultant
Consultant
Consultants provide expert advice to organizations and individuals on a variety of topics. This course may be useful for a consultant specializing in cultural heritage or tourism. The course offers an accessible introduction to Greek mythology, which is relevant to these fields. The focus on real places connected to the ancient Greek gods and archaeological discoveries can inform consulting projects related to historical sites and cultural experiences. A consultant will benefit from a deeper understanding of Greek culture.
For more career information including salaries, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/a1gvg9/greek
Reading list
We've selected two books
that we think will supplement your
learning. Use these to
develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a
deeper understanding of the topics covered in
Greek Mythology, a course created for everyone.
Save
Stephen Fry's 'Mythos' offers a humorous and accessible retelling of Greek myths. It's a great way to familiarize yourself with the stories and characters before diving into the course. The book provides a broad overview of the major myths, making it an excellent supplementary resource. It is also a very engaging read.
Rick Riordan's 'Percy Jackson & The Lightning Thief' offers a modern, engaging introduction to Greek mythology for younger audiences. While not a scholarly text, it cleverly weaves together many of the core myths and characters. Reading this book can provide a fun and accessible entry point to the subject matter. It is more valuable as additional reading than as a current reference.
For more information about how these books relate to this course, visit:
OpenCourser.com/course/a1gvg9/greek
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