Black Dionysus: Greek Drama in Africa and the African Diaspora – Honors

3 credits

AMS-2700H

Ancient Mediterranean Studies
College of Arts and Science

In this course, we will focus on one aspect of the reception of Classical literature: the reuse, rewriting, and re-performing of Greek tragedies in Africa and the African diaspora in the 20th and 21st centuries. What accounts for the popularity of the Greek plays and stories among those who have every reason to reject European cultural models? Why do these ancient Greek tragedies still matter, and not only to people of European descent? Graded on A-F basis only. Prerequisites: Honors eligibility required. Recommended: AMS 1060 or AMS 2100.