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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
9/04/15--Father's and Sons Excerpt
My article I shared. Read and save in your files for possible source for writing.
9/04/15--Osiris, Isis & Horus, and The Story of Poia
Read and annotate for homework.
9/04/15--Class Info
*Today we began with Journal #4 and discussed the modern application of "Theseus and Hippolytus". I collected the annotations for "Theseus and Hippolytus".
*We then discussed Myth Quest #2 and I collected that.
* I gave you Myth Quest #3 since I won't see 5th period until Wednesday.
*You then shared the articles you found with your group and how they related to an issue we've looked at so far. This will likely be something we do on many Fridays.
HW: 1. Myth Quest #3 due Friday. 2. Read and annotate "Osiris, Isis & Horus" and "The Story of Poia--due Tuesday or Wednesday, whenever I see you.
REMINDER: You have periods 2 and 3 on Tuesday. Periods 4-7 will be on Wednesday. Wednesday is still a late-start Wednesday.
HAVE A GREAT LONG WEEKEND.
9/03/15--Class Info
*Today we discussed the issues in "Orion and Oenopion." Thank you to those who volunteered as tribute to lead the class today.
*You then read and annotated "Theseus and Hippolytus" which we will discuss tomorrow.
HW: 1. Myth Quest 2 due tomorrow. Remember, you need research and you need to cite it properly. 2. Find an article that discusses any issue we have seen so far in the myths and bring it to class tomorrow. Psychology Today is a great resource. Make sure you actually read the article and be prepared to justify how it relates.
9/02/15--Orion and Oenopion
Homework tonight. Read and annotate.
9/02/15--Class Info
*We began today with Journal #3 and discussed it.
* We then discussed the ideas from yesterday's readings of "Thetis and Achilles", "Hera and Hephaistos", and the article on parental expectations and academic success. I collect the myth annotations. Keep the article.
HW: 1. Myth Quest #2. 2. Read and annotate "Orion and Oenopion".
9/01/15--Family Myth Tracker
Keep up with this for the unit.
9/01/15--Class Info
Thank you for a great day in class. I really enjoyed the discussions we had on parental expectations. I hope you got a taste for what the meat of this course will be like. It's conducted like a seminar course in college...lots of discussion and exploration of experiences and ideas.
*Today we began with a nice discussion on some of the things you wrote about in your freewrite yesterday. I collected this from you.
*I gave you the Myth Tracker for this unit. Make sure you keep up with it. It will be of great value to you for quizzes, tests, and writings once we get into many different myths.
*We then began reading the introduction to the book we are using and got into the readings of Thetis and Achilles and Hera and Hephaistos. You do need to annotate as we read or as you read. These annotations will be collected and assessed. With your annotations, I'm really looking for evidence that you have thoughts. You should be showing me that you are having a conversation with the text. We cannot explore these ideas in class unless you do the prep work for it.
HW: 1. Myth Quest #2 due Friday. 2. Finish reading and annotating Thetis and Achilles, and Hera and Hephaistos for discussion tomorrow. 3. Read and annotate the article on parental expectations and academic success.