CHS 2008 Graduate Summer Seminar

Homeric Nostoi

 
Nostos is a central theme in the Odyssey. Homer’s poem may thus be read not only as a narrative about the return of Odysseus, but also as a meditation on the concept of the nostos itself, a word that means both “homecoming” and “song about homecoming.” The Odyssey also explores the nostoi of other heroes after the Trojan war, suggesting a degree of self-reflection on the place of Odysseus’ nostos in the epic tradition. The focus of the CHS Summer Graduate Seminar will be on the poetics of homecoming, concentrating primarily on Homer’s Odyssey and the ancient reception of the epic nostoi. The seminar will combine intensive work in Homeric poetry and its background in the second millennium B.C. with close readings of the Odyssey and two tragedies. This seminar will be led by Professors Madeleine Goh of Indiana University and Corinne Pache of Yale University.

The seminar is intended for graduate students in Classics in their first or second year who have a solid background in ancient Greek. Space in the seminar is limited. Housing, weekday lunches, travel expenses, and a stipend are provided to all students.

The deadline for applications and recommendations is April 2, 2008.

Applications consist of:
1. Curriculum Vitae and cover letter stating the student’s experience with Greek and interest in the seminar.
2. Two letters of recommendation from professors.

Completed applications and recommendations should be sent via email to: fellowships@chs.harvard.edu

Or by postal mail to:

Robin Olson
Center for Hellenic Studies
3100 Whitehaven St., NW
Washington, DC 20008
USA

You can download a PDF of this announcement, suitable for posting, here .