Homer’s Odyssey, written down sometime around 700 BC, is a foundational masterpiece of Western literature and thought. The story of Odysseus’ long and winding return from the Trojan War to his long-suffering wife and son on the island of Ithaca still has, for sheer narrative power and pathos, few rivals. Its themes of homecoming, justice, identify, memory, hospitality, and suffering have shaped much of the way we understand our lives and the world around us. A translation of this ancient Greek epic poem by Emily Wilson—the first translation into English by a woman—was released to great acclaim several years ago. In this course students will slowly make their way through the 24 chapters (or “books”) of this wonderful new translation of the Odyssey.

In the weekly class meetings, Prof. Barnes, who has taught the Odyssey for over 25 years, will lecture for one hour on that week’s assigned reading, and then, in the second hour, lead a student-driven discussion and answer any questions. Even for those who have read the Odyssey before, this course promises to be a rich, in-depth, and exciting journey through one of the world’s great stories.

This 32 minute guide offers all students the mythological and historical background they need to begin reading the poem. View the presentation HERE.

*All students will need to purchase the following book for the class: The Odyssey by Homer, translated by Emily Wilson: ISBN-13: 978-0393356250.
*Please read Chapters 1 – 4 for the first class meeting.

Six-Week Course Schedule | Mondays
Mar 25 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Apr 01 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Apr 08 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Apr 15 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Apr 22 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Apr 29 | 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

This class will be held in-person at WIH and simulcast via Zoom