What is a hero? Are heroes still necessary or even possible in contemporary cultures? Why are villains so prevalent? Heroes and villains have played a crucial role in the culture of nations and civilizations from ancient to contemporary times. Often honored by society but sometimes unrecognized or disdained, heroes (male and female) reflect and shape standards of excellence, provide inspiration, overcome adversity, pursue ideals, lead, and challenge. Villains can question convention and test ideals, and lead and challenge as well. Both heroes and villains can problematize cultural values by pushing boundaries, transgressing and transcending them. What do the heroes and villains of a particular age and place tell us about that time period and culture? Does every age get the heroes it deserves? How is a hero different from a leader or role model? What qualities or deeds qualify a person for hero status? How are heroes developed and sustained? How do they function? Have the characteristics of heroes changed over time? Why are villains so transfixing? Is it possible to be simultaneously a hero and a villain? In this course we will study select political, intellectual, creative, and social heroes from diverse cultures and historical time periods, select villains, and theories of heroism.

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