Journeys to the Underworld

About this course

The course examines the underworld journey, or katabasis, across Greek, Roman, twentieth-century and contemporary literature. Learners analyse extracts and complete works including texts by Ovid, Virgil, Homer, Aristophanes, Joseph Conrad, Margaret Atwood and Elena Ferrante, considering how the motif is reshaped around heroism, gender, colonialism, democracy and family relationships. Weekly tutor presentations introduce the material before small-group close reading and full-class discussion. The course also introduces ideas from classical reception and intertextuality, exploring how texts from different periods and cultures respond to one another.

What you'll learn

• Analyse the literary trope of katabasis and compare the cultural meanings attached to underworld journeys.
• Explain how classical reception and intertextuality can illuminate relationships between texts across periods and cultures.

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for learners interested in mythology, poetry and literature, including those without formal literature study. Participation involves advance weekly reading, small-group close reading and full-class discussion, alongside tutor presentations.

• Formal literature study is not required.
• Weekly reading before class is expected.
• The teaching format includes small-group and whole-class discussion.

Before you go

• Handouts covering the Orpheus and Eurydice poetry and the Persephone poetry will be provided.
• Learners should arrange to buy or borrow copies of the Odyssey, Aeneid, Frogs, Heart of Darkness and The Lost Daughter for the course reading.