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Deathless Stories: How Ancient Myths Live On 

Instructor
Cora Bresciano
S343A
Video Catch-up
Available

Course Description

Any enthusiastic reader can affirm that myths created thousands of years ago continue to reappear in literature and film today. Why do we keep writing—and reading—these ancient tales? What can they tell us about ourselves and our place in this awesome, confusing world? This series will explore various stories, novels, and films by authors who have incorporated ancient myths into their modern stories. Participants will learn how mythical elements can become timely lessons and contribute to our understanding of literature and life.

Lectures

  1. Greeks Bearing Gifts: The heroes and villains of Greek mythology keep turning up in modern-day stories; we’ll explore why their adventures continue to resonate for us today.
  2. At Home with Homer: "The Odyssey" and "The Iliad" in particular, have been told and retold in different eras, in novels and films; we'll look at how and why.
  3. Latin American Magic: Magical realism infuses many 20th and 21st century novels from Latin America; we’ll discuss this mythical approach that has inspired writers everywhere.
  4. Beyond the Western World: Myths from many other cultures also make their way into today’s storytelling; we’ll examine examples and what we can learn from them.

Course Info

  • Time: 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM
  • Date: Wednesdays, March 9, 16, 23, 30
  • Location: Friedberg Auditorium, Lifelong Learning Building
  • Fees: Member - $60
    Non-member - $80
    One-time guest pass, Member or Non-member at the door - $25.

About the Instructor

  • Dr. Cora Bresciano was the co-founder and, for fourteen years, the executive director of Blue Planet Global Education, a non-profit organization that coached educators on creating international writing-and-arts collaborations. She was also a Visiting Instructor at FAU, teaching myth and magical realism in literature along with creative and first-year writing. She lectures and presents in the U.S. and abroad, recently in Lisbon at the Modern Language Association International Symposium. Dr. Bresciano holds a Ph.D. in Comparative Studies from FAU, with specializations in literature and 20th century Spanish history. She also holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from FAU, where she received the Frank and Courtney Brogan Award in Fiction, and a bachelor's degree in music education from Hofstra University in New York.