This 8-week course investigates how different authors and artists in ancient Greek literature represented gender. After an introduction to gender and antiquity, we discuss one text or theme per lesson. We will explore how different texts (such as the Homeric epics, Sophocles’ haunting play Antigone, Aristophanes’ comedy Women at the Thesmophoria) shape masculinity and femininity – and also how they deal with gender expressions that deviate from the norm.

A number of female authors will be discussed, such as lyric poets Anyte, Erinna, Corinna and Melinno, and the letter-writing Theano. We will consider how modern gender concepts clash with ancient frameworks.

We will also reflect on questions such as: How was gender depicted in texts and images, and was there a uniform view of gender in antiquity? What do ancient texts say about gender fluidity? And what can we learn from voices that fell outside the dominant narratives? In this way, the course invites participants not only to understand gender in antiquity, but also to question their own perspectives on gender and history.

The class will meet on Zoom, on Mondays at 18:00-19:30 (GMT) on 19th January, 26th January, 2nd February, 9th February, mid-term break 16th February, 23rd February, 2nd March, 9th March, and 16th March 2026.