I'm reading the Iliad for a cl and I'm bored....?

I can't answer entirely well because that would depend on your exam, of course, but I've a recommendation. Greek mythology, including but not especially Homer, is the roots of English (and by ociation American) literature. Instead of thinking of the reading of this book as a chore to do for a grade, look at it as what it really is: the pathway to understanding literature on all levels. Whether through learning to interpret or to understanding foreshadowing, the more you know of the history of literature the easier it will be for you to understand literature in general. Hence, future reading ignments will be much easier. Some people study Latin solely to be able to learn French and other European languages easier. It's rather like that.