1. identify the problems/errors/curse of the House of Atreus;
2. outline the stories connected with Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, Orestes, Iphigenia;
3. define the Greek perception of the nature of the feminine as exemplified by Iphigenia, Clytemnestra, Helen, Electra, Calypso,Nausicaa, Pelopia, Penelope, Jocasta, Isemene, Andromache, Antigone;
4. summarize the contributions of Homer to the development of Western literature;
5. characterize the Homeric hero in general, and Achilles in particular. Can Achilles be considered a tragic hero? What is the Greek lesson of sophrosyne?
6. compare the fundamental nature of Homer's two epic poems. Identify the lessons offered to Western culture by Homer in these two poems?
7. comment upon divine interference in the affairs of man found in the two poems. Consider the relationship of the Homeric gods to one another and to various Greek and Trojan heroes. What factors influence the gods to favor one side or the other, one hero rather than another?
8. discuss the nature of the Bronze Age heroic code, heroic combat. What significance does the hero's reputation have for these warriors?
9. discuss the characters and points made in the 24 books of the Iliad;
10. discuss the characters and points made in the 24 books of the Odyssey;
11. account for the cause of the Trojan war;
12. compare Achilles and Hector as heroes - their qualities, defects, objectives, strengths;
13. describe the outcome of the Trojan war and the significance of the "Trojan horse";
14. compare the quest of Jason and the Argonauts with that of Odysseus. Why did they sail, what kind of adventures did they have, what outstanding traits characterized the leadership of Jason and Odysseus? Who proved the more effective leader?
15. describe the domestic life of the family of Odysseus while the hero practiced war. Describe the situation in Ithaca at Odysseus' return. Given special attention to the position of Telemachus and Penelope, and the question of authority in Ithaca, is anyone ruling the kingdom and if not, what is happening? Who are the suitors? What role do they play in the tale?