12/14/15--Class Info
*Discuss "Life of Pi" questions
*Return books
*Return work
Myth and Folk
Course Description
*Course and materials adapted from the great Ty Devoe
Welcome to Myth and Folk.
People have always been mythmakers, trying to find explanations to events occurring in the surrounding world. Animals, for example, watch each other die but, as far as we know, they give the matter no further consideration. Yet even the primitive treasures in the graves of Neanderthal tribes demonstrate and attempt to form a counter-narrative to death. Human beings are meaning-seeking creatures. From the very beginning we invented stories that enabled us to place our lives in a larger setting, revealed an underlying pattern, and gave us a sense that, against all the often depressing and chaotic evidence to the contrary, life had meaning and value.
The study of mythology, particularly in its relevance to our daily lives, can yield rich results for the dedicated student. Our approach to mythology and folklore this semester will grant you the opportunity for cultural awareness and self-discovery. It is largely psychology and sociology through mythology. I hope you walk away knowledgeable and enlightened.
With that said, let’s look at the course itself. The principle goal of this course is to give you a working familiarity with the major mythos of the world, particularly the myths of Classical Greece and, to a lesser extent, Rome, mainly through examining primary sources, both literary and visual, with a particular focus on the role of heroes. We will also examine the nature and social function of mythology, studying a number of different ancient and modern theories. Also considered will be legacy of classical mythology in modern art and literature, including popular culture. Students will learn how mythic narrative patterns and symbols function in western culture. We will also delve into Norse, Arthurian, Egyptian, Indian, Native American, and many other cultural stories. Assignments in this course are designed to give you the freedom to explore your own humanity through extensive writing and reading; I hope you will think, reflect, and grow. The essential question that we will continually explore throughout our journey through mythology is: "Is being human something good, bad, tragic, or evil?" Your opinion on this matter may change frequently as you ponder human nature, the human condition, and your own life and role in this world. You will be discussing a great deal with your peers and your currently held beliefs will either be challenged and changed, or your current beliefs will be further solidified. In either case, you will think, reflect, and grapple with issues important to every human being at various stages of life.
Welcome to Myth and Folk.
People have always been mythmakers, trying to find explanations to events occurring in the surrounding world. Animals, for example, watch each other die but, as far as we know, they give the matter no further consideration. Yet even the primitive treasures in the graves of Neanderthal tribes demonstrate and attempt to form a counter-narrative to death. Human beings are meaning-seeking creatures. From the very beginning we invented stories that enabled us to place our lives in a larger setting, revealed an underlying pattern, and gave us a sense that, against all the often depressing and chaotic evidence to the contrary, life had meaning and value.
The study of mythology, particularly in its relevance to our daily lives, can yield rich results for the dedicated student. Our approach to mythology and folklore this semester will grant you the opportunity for cultural awareness and self-discovery. It is largely psychology and sociology through mythology. I hope you walk away knowledgeable and enlightened.
With that said, let’s look at the course itself. The principle goal of this course is to give you a working familiarity with the major mythos of the world, particularly the myths of Classical Greece and, to a lesser extent, Rome, mainly through examining primary sources, both literary and visual, with a particular focus on the role of heroes. We will also examine the nature and social function of mythology, studying a number of different ancient and modern theories. Also considered will be legacy of classical mythology in modern art and literature, including popular culture. Students will learn how mythic narrative patterns and symbols function in western culture. We will also delve into Norse, Arthurian, Egyptian, Indian, Native American, and many other cultural stories. Assignments in this course are designed to give you the freedom to explore your own humanity through extensive writing and reading; I hope you will think, reflect, and grow. The essential question that we will continually explore throughout our journey through mythology is: "Is being human something good, bad, tragic, or evil?" Your opinion on this matter may change frequently as you ponder human nature, the human condition, and your own life and role in this world. You will be discussing a great deal with your peers and your currently held beliefs will either be challenged and changed, or your current beliefs will be further solidified. In either case, you will think, reflect, and grapple with issues important to every human being at various stages of life.
Posts
12/11/15--Turnitin.com Info Reminder
If you lost it and didn't submit the personal statement to Turnitin.com, here's the info:
Period 3 class ID: 10891542
Period 5 class ID: 10891557
Password for both classes: classof2016
12/11/15--Class Info
*Turn in research paper. Staple in this order: 1. assignment sheet. 2. final draft. 3. Rubric
*Work on "Life of Pi" questions for discussion on Monday.
Reminder: Bring myth books on Monday to return to library.
12/10/15--Class Info
*Finish "Life of Pi"---period 5 will finish tomorrow
HW: FINISH FINAL DRAFT OF PAPER--DUE TOMORROW....
12/09/15--Class Info
*continue "Life of Pi"
HW: final draft of research paper due Friday
12/08/15--Class Info
*Journal #16 provided by Indra group
*collect journals 11-16
*Begin "Life of Pi"
HW: final draft of research paper
12/08/15--Last student help day tomorrow morning....
12/07/15--Class Info
*Journal #15 provided by Maui group
*Maui Group presentation
*Er Group presentation
*1st draft of research paper due
HW: 1. Read Indra. 2. Research paper due Friday.
12/03 and 12/04/15--Class Info
*Journal #14 provided by Buddha group
*Buddha group presented
*Parsifal group presented
HW: 1. Draft 1 due Monday. 2. work on class leader project. 3. Read Maui and Er for Monday.
12/02/15--Class Info
*Journal #13 was provided by the Chiron group in each period.
*Chiron group presented
*Dr. Faustus group presented
HW: 1. Work on draft 1 due Monday. 2. Work on class leader project. 3. Read Buddha and Parsifal for tomorrow (period 3) or Friday (period 5)