Greeks: The Epics
The Poems of Homer
Greeks: The Epics covers the two great poems of Homer: The Iliad and the Odyssey. Join Wesley Callihan, a veteran teacher of the classics, as he guides the student through the world of Homer. In story-like fashion, he steers the reader through the plot, poetic devices, background, philosophy, history, and beauty of the poems, as well as how we should approach these monuments of Western culture from a Christian perspective.
Twelve lectures, five hours
Each lecture opens with a short review, then summary, commentary and connections across history, art and theology. Watch Lecture 1 free.
- 1Introduction to Old Western CultureFree16 min
- 2The Backdrop of the Iliad36 min
- 3The Anger of Achilleus31 min
- 4The First Critical Turning Point19 min
- 5The Deception of Zeus20 min
- 6The Second Critical Turning Point25 min
- 7The Death o f Hektor26 min
- 8The Telemachy25 min
- 9The Court of Alkinoös21 min
- 10Odysseus Tells of his Wanderings30 min
- 11The Homecoming of Odysseus30 min
- 12The Legacy of Homer in Western Civilization22 min
Lecture 1 · Introduction to Old Western Culture · 16 min · freePlays here on the page. Every lecture streams and downloads in the Roman Roads app once you own the course.
What your student reads
- HomerThe Iliad, the whole poem
- HomerThe Odyssey, the whole poem
Every assigned text is in the Epics Reader (Vol. 1), as a printed book or the eBook that comes with the course. Students are welcome to use other editions of the great books they already own with this course. The video lectures reference Latin or Greek line numbers, which allows a broader use of editions for those who prefer to bring their own.
The Epics
820 pages · 6 × 9 in. · paperback $32 · hardback $45 · eBook included with the course
About this ReaderThe Epics Companion
One printed, full-color volume for this unit: the Honors and Essentials schedules day by day, Grammar, Logic, Rhetoric and Discussion questions for every lesson, commonplace starters, and Digressios on the art, music, maps and stories behind the books. It adds no busywork; it is a companion to the books, not a textbook.
Use it beside the Workbook or in its place. 190 pages · $39.
Questions
Is The Epics right for a younger student?
Old Western Culture is intended for mature and discerning students; we recommend it for ages 14 and up. The course deals with mature themes such as paganism, sexual immorality, battle scenes (mostly in the reading) and classical paintings, and is meant to equip your child with a Biblical lens for them. We assume a working knowledge of the Bible and basic Christian doctrine.
How much credit is it?
One unit is half a high-school credit in literature or history; a full year of four units is two credits.
How long does a unit take?
Nine weeks: one lecture a week, with the reading and the questions between. The Honors schedule reads everything; the Essentials schedule reads a shorter selection and still watches every lecture.
Do we need the printed Reader?
No. The Reader eBook is in the app with the course, and the editions already on your shelf work too. We do recommend reading in print, whether that is our Reader, a Roman Roads Classic where one exists, or your own copy; the Reader’s advantage is every assigned text in one volume.
Workbook or Companion?
Both work with the lectures. The Workbook (PDF included with the main curriculum; printed edition available as add-on) holds the questions for every lecture and reading with an answer key. The Companion is the fuller book: schedules, more questions at four levels, and the Digressios. Use it beside the workbook or in its place.
Can a co-op or school use it?
Yes. Students watch at home and discuss in class, or a teacher lectures live from the Companion. Ask us about group licensing.
Is it a subscription?
No. You buy it once and it is yours for life.
Greeks: The Epics
The complete digital course, from $74.75. Add the printed Reader and the Companion above.