Hero Myth: Lit Cult. Eval

3 Credits · Level: Graduate, Undergraduate

What does it mean to be a hero? What distinguishes the hero from the saint? How does heroism play itself out in contemporary culture? Through examining literary works, philosophical and theoretical texts, and film this course will explore the nature of heroism and the connections between the concepts of heroism and “performance.” Readings will include Spanish and Latin American literary works from the Romantic period until today; philosophical material by authors such as such as J. O. Urmson, J. Campbell, F. Savater, J. Ortega y Gasset, and Richard Schechner; and Spanish films as well as films by Roberto Rosellini (The Flowers of St. Francis), Fred Zinnermann (High Noon), and Richard Attenborough (Ghandi).