World of the Odyssey
Course status:
Applications being accepted
Location:
Online
Dates and time:
11/01/2027 - 22/03/202717:00 - 18:00
Study format:
Online - live
Fees:
£430.00
The stories of Odysseus’ travels are beloved across the world; most people will know some version of the story. Starting from a basic introduction to the historic [HH1] background of the poem – the Late Bronze Age collapse (c. 1200 BCE), and the fractured migrations of the Dark Ages – the course asks if and how we can use this poetry to shine a light upon a forgotten world. We then discuss the nature of oral composition like Homer’s – poetry passed down from bard to bard across generations – and how it affects the texture of the narrative. Next, we explore each major phase of the narrative week by week, considering how the key themes of the poem – homecoming, identity, deception, intellect and piety – are developed in each. We then take a synoptic view of the whole poem to discuss some further key themes – story-telling and deception, and the relationship between gods and mortals. Finally, as a kind of coda, we will study the Epic Cycle, a collection of stories that book-end the Homeric epics, and include a sort of sequel to the Odyssey, the Telegoneia.
Book this course
Book your place online using the button below.
Contact the team
Phone: +44 (0)1865 280973
This course begins on the 11 January 2027 which is when the course materials are made available to students. Students should study these materials in advance of the first live meeting which will be held on 18 January 2027, 17:00-18:00 (UK time).
Unit 1: Bronze Age, Dark Age or Heroic Age?
Unit 2: The Homeric Question and Oral Poetry
Unit 3: Odyssey 1-4: The Telemachy
Unit 4: Odyssey 5-8: Diplomacy on Strange Shores
Unit 5: Odyssey 9-13: Xenia and Odysseus’ Wanderings
Unit 6: Odyssey 14-20: Identity and Odysseus Disguised
Unit 7: Odyssey 21-24: Homecoming and Retribution
Unit 8: Story-telling and Deception
Unit 9: Gods and Mortals
Unit 10: The Epic Cycle: Prequels and a Sequel to the Odyssey
Course aims
This course aims to:
- Introduce students to the historical background of this most important story: the Bronze Age and Dark Age Mediterranean
- Elucidate the themes of the poem, exploring what they can tell us about Homeric society, and thus help students find a greater understanding and enjoyment of the poetry
- Discover how the story of the Odyssey has been adapted to suit the needs of different cultures at different times
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course students should be able to:
- Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of the Odyssey in its historical and cultural context, including its origins in oral poetic tradition, and use this context to illuminate key features of the poem.
- Analyse and interpret major themes, characters, episodes and poetic techniques in the Odyssey, learning how to support literary arguments through close engagement with the text.
- Ultimately sevelop and apply critical approaches to the analysis of the Odyssey, including close reading, interpretation of narrative techniques, and evaluation of scholarly debates.
Level and demands
This course is open to all, and no prior knowledge is required.
This course is offered at FHEQ level 4 (first year undergraduate level), and you will be expected to engage in independent study in preparation for your assignments. Our 10-week Short Online Courses come with an expected total commitment of 100 study hours.
English Language Requirements
We do not insist that applicants hold an English language certification, but we warn that they may be at a disadvantage if their language skills are not of a comparable level to those qualifications listed on our website. If you are confident in your proficiency, please feel free to enrol. For more information regarding English language requirements, please see here.
IT requirements
Any standard web browser can be used to access course materials on our virtual learning environment, but we recommend Google Chrome. To access the virtual learning environment you will be required to verify your identity using an authenticator app on a mobile device or laptop in addition to your username and password. Full instructions will be sent to you on the start date of the course. We also recommend that students join the live webinars on Microsoft Teams using a laptop or desktop computer rather than a phone or tablet due to the limited functionality of the app on these devices.
Teaching methods
This course takes place over 10 weeks, with a weekly learning schedule and weekly live webinar held on Microsoft Teams. On the start date of the course students are provided with access to an online virtual learning environment, which houses the course content, including video lectures, complemented by readings or other study materials. Working through these materials over the course of the week will prepare students for a weekly 1-hour live webinar you will share with your expert tutor and fellow students. All courses are structured to amount to 100 study hours, so that on average, you should set aside 10 hours a week for study. Although the course finishes after 10 weeks, all learning materials remain available to all students for 12 months after the course has finished.
All courses are led by an expert tutor. Tutors guide students through the course materials as part of the live interactions during the weekly webinars. Tutors will also provide individualised feedback on your assignments. All online courses are taught in small student cohorts so that you and your peers will form a mutually supportive and vibrant learning community for the duration of the course. You will learn from your fellow students as well as from your tutor, and they will learn from you.
Assessment methods
You will be set two pieces of work for the course. The first of 500 words is due halfway through your course. This does not count towards your final outcome but preparing for it, and the feedback you are given, will help you prepare for your assessed piece of work of 1,500 words due at the end of the course. The assessed work is marked pass or fail.
Dr Holly Hunt
Holly studied Classics at Balliol College, Oxford, where she earned a BA and an MSt. She moved five minutes down the road to St Anne’s College during her DPhil, to teach papers on ancient Greek language and literature at this college. Upon completing her doctorate on Aristophanes and humour theory, she became a lecturer in Classical languages at Regent’s Park College (still, despite the name, in Oxford). Her interests encompass archaic and classical Greek literature, and the application of cognitive theory to reading ancient texts.
Credit Application Transfer Scheme (CATS) points
Coursework is an integral part of all online courses and everyone enrolled will be expected to do coursework. All those enrolled on an online course are registered for credit and will be awarded CATS points for completing work at the required standard.
See more information on CATS points
Digital credentials
All students who pass their final assignment will be eligible for a digital Certificate of Completion. Upon successful completion, you will receive a link to download a University of Oxford digital certificate. Information on how to access this digital certificate will be emailed to you after the end of the course. The certificate will show your name, the course title and the dates of the course you attended. You will be able to download your certificate or share it on social media if you choose to do so.
Please note that assignments are not graded but are marked either pass or fail.
Fees
| Description | Costs |
|---|---|
| Course Fee | £430.00 |
Funding
If you are in receipt of a UK state benefit, or are a care-leaver in the UK, you may be eligible for a reduction of 50% of tuition fees. Please see the below link for full details:
Module code: O26P892AHZ
Please use the ‘Book now’ button on this page..