An introduction to a Greek Epic: Homer's Odyssey

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">A voyage through one of the most famous pieces of literature in history. Each week we will identify and examine a different theme of the text as we follow the story of Odysseus’ event-filled journey.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">Homer’s Odyssey is one of the central pillars of Western literature. But why is this tale of a lost wanderer trying to return home to his wife after the Trojan War so famous? What is it about the story that has entertained audiences and intrigued scholars over the millennia since it was composed? Could any of it be true? </span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">Whether you have read the story before, or whether you are a complete stranger to Odysseus and his colourful world, this course will open your eyes to a lost world – a mix of history and myth. A story that includes heroes, gods, monsters, witches and giants, and yet is packed full of comments on the human condition that are just as relevant now as the day they were written. Week by week we will look at various themes of content, characterisation and construction as we follow the story from start to finish – this journey will allow us glimpses into a very ancient world where much more is visible than one at first suspects.</span></span></span></p>

<p> </p>

<p><span style="font-size:16px">This course will be delivered at Stoke Lodge but will move to online delivery if necessary.</span></p>

<p> </p>

<p><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">Yes</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">No</span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">Joining other history courses</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">P</span><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">ossibly. It is recommended that learners have access to a copy of The Odyssey. I will be using the Penguin Classics edition, trans EV Rieu (easily available online) so ideally learners would have their own copy of this. However this is not essential.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12.0pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">Each week I will suggest a passage to read before the next session. This is not essential but would add value to the learner’s experience.</span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">Feel free to bring a copy of The Odyssey if you wish – ideally the EV Rieu translation (Penguin classics).</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="background-color:white"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif"><span style="color:black">Teaching will be centred on an informal ‘lecture style’ and I will – as usual – provide illustrations wherever possible. I welcome interruptions, questions and debate.</span></span></span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:16px">Stable internet connection, a PC or tablet if the course moves online.</span></p>

<ul>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">If we have to cancel your course your fees will be refunded in full. We are unable to reimburse the cost of materials you may have bought for the course.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">If you cancel your course booking a week (7 days) or more before the start date we will refund your fees minus an admin charge of 20%.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">If you cancel with less than a week (7 days) before the start date or after the course has started, we will not be able to refund your fees.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">Transfers will incur a fee of 10% and must be requested 7 days or more before the start of a course unless you are transferring to another course because your original course was cancelled.</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">We are not able to offer refunds due to sickness or ill health.</span></span></span></li>
</ul>

<p style="margin-left:48px"> </p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">If you are due a refund you must contact the office within 3 months of the course to arrange payment as we do not keep card details.</span></span></span></p>

<p><span style="font-size:12pt"><span style="font-family:&#34;Times New Roman&#34;,serif"><span style="font-family:&#34;Arial&#34;,sans-serif">When attending an online course, it is a learner’s responsibility to ensure they have adequate internet access before the start of a course. Refunds will not be given for technical failure of a learner’s home computer or their internet access.</span></span></span></p>