Getting into the Studying Mood

Learning from last sem, I'm trying not to lag behind readings.. Thankfully.. Ages of the Mediterranean textbook is quite an interesting read! Ancient History is fascinating.. And when I know more, I shall blog about it!

Also, I got the presentation topic I wanted for this mod! "What Is Love Anyway?" In context of ancient times.. That will be fun =)

I shall share videos from youtube along the way, and so far.. two Hollywood films already link to the module! 'Troy', and 'Tristan and Isolde'.

Troy is one of the two first great epic poems written by Homer around 8thC BC. The specific poem that 'Troy' is from is is Iliad, Homer's epic of the Trojan War, fought between the Greek States of Troy and Sparta. However, Iliad is more focused on the tale of the Greek Hero Achilles, than on the war itself. "True to all great literature, the Iliad abounds in universal lessons." Quoting from my textbook written by Jackson J. Spielvogel.

The other great epic poem is Odyssey which i really know nothing about.. Should probably read up on it..

Apparently, these two poems deal with the heroes of the Mycenaean age of the 13thC BC, but it is believed that they reflect the social conditions of the Dark Age more than anything. Since Homer's world reflects values of aristocratic heroes, it deals with the aristocratic values of courage and honour. Hopefully when I've looked through the texts or movie more carefully, I can see where these values appear and how it shapes the decisions of the people!

'Tristan and Isolde' isn't really as linked to the module as 'Troy', but it's set after the Dark Ages, between the states of Britain and Sparta.

Sparta again.. Haha, I wonder why so many films have them involved, and always portrayed in a way that make them seem more barbaric, ruthless and unlikable. Well, Monday's tutorial will deal with Sparta, so hopefully I'll learn more!

This makes me want to watch the films again =D That will be a nice break! Don't like all the wars though..

Here's a picture from our first lecture, which my prof called "A Portrait of Time". It urges us to look at the large concept of Greece, not simply focus on the fleeting moments.

The Geophysical Structure forms the backdrop of history, Greek islands being a mountainous peninsular, isolated and surrounded by sea. Changes occur very slowly against the whole physical backdrop.

The person pushing the cart represent conjunctures, human systems which lasts hundreds of years, for example, Feudalism. Yet it's nothing in comparison to the timescale of the physical backdrop.

The events such as Icarus falling into the ocean with only his leg being seen, represent singular events that are so insignificant against the whole concept and place it occurred. Haha, I love this painting!

Ok, time to sign off, goodnight!