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.

Posts

8/31/15--Class Info

*Today we finished up our Creation Myth presentations. Thank you everyone for the work you put into it. Please remember for future presentations to be engaging for your audience and to present to the audience, not the screen. :-)
*You received the prompt for Myth Quest #2:
        • Define the following archetype: Hero
        • What is it about the Hero and his/her quest or journey that makes an    
        audience (readers or viewers) care about and identify with him/her?
        Be specific.
        • Who in your life would you classify as this archetypal figure and why?  
        Specifically identify the traits that make this person a Hero.
*We then had a mini-lesson on Pronouns, and I collected the practice.
* I then gave you a freewrite on parental expectations.
HW: 1. Myth Quest #2 due Friday. 2. Finish writing freewrite due tomorrow.

8/28/15--Class Info

*I collected Myth Quest #1. #2 will come on Monday.
*I then collected your final draft of your "Where I'm From" poems. You had to staple them in the following order: 1. Assignment sheet with the brainstorm sheet. 2. Your typed final draft with your typed rationale responses. 3. Your stamped first draft. I'm looking forward to reading these.
*We then got through almost the rest of the presentations. We will finish those on Monday.
**Coming up next week, we will will begin delving into some personal reflection on the various stages and aspects of our lives, by first looking at mythology and family.
HW: HAVE A GREAT WEEKEND!

8/27/15--Class Info

*Today we began the creation myth presentations. Thank you for all the hard you all have put into these presentations. You are showing that you have good research. Don't forget that these are presentations, and you should try to engage your audience whenever possible.
 
HW: 1. "Where I'm From" assignment due tomorrow...with rationale questions completed and typed. 2. Myth Quest #1 due tomorrow.

8/26/15--Class Info

Today was your last day to work on your creation presentations in class. Be prepared to present tomorrow!
HW: 1. Final Draft of "Where I'm From" due Friday...typed, with the rationale questions completed...typed. 2. Myth Quest #1 Due Friday. 3. Creation presentations due tomorrow.

8/25/15--Class Info

Today was a project word day. Tomorrow will be too. I look forward to seeing what you are busily working on.
HW: 1. Final Draft of "Where I'm From" due Friday....typed with rationale questions typed. 2. Myth Quest #1 due Friday. 3. Creation myth presentations begin Thursday.

8/24/15--Class Info

*We began the day by finishing up the presentations from Friday, then I collected your assignment sheet.
*Today you received your first Myth Quest assignment. The question for this week is, "Explain, in your own words, the difference between a Myth, Legend, Folktale, and Fable. What is similar about all these and what makes them different?" You can find the assignment template on the main page to the website. Remember, you will be assigned one of these each week, and they will always be due at the end of the week.
*You chose an origin myth that you will research, plan a presentation, and will present to the class. Be prepared to give your presentation on Thursday. We won't make it through all myths on Thursday, but be prepared to go in case you are called up. You will have class time tomorrow and Wednesday to research and plan.
*I stamped the first draft of the "Where I'm From" poem. The final draft is due Friday (Typed and printed out, along with the rationale questions and brainstorm sheet)
HW: 1."Where I'm From" final draft--due Friday. 2. Myth Quest #1--Due Friday. 3. Bring any materials you need to plan your presentation to class.

8/21/15--Class Info

Thank you for a fun Friday filled some good laughs.
 
*We began the day with a short grammar exercise on Nouns. I collected your practice.
*We then enjoyed your presentations of your idioms/phrases while enjoying the food you brought that you considered to be "ambrosia." Many of you expressed a desire to do a potluck again. While we can't do it every Friday, we may be able to do it once every month. I'm thinking since we are looking at personal influences and origins and will be beginning with a unit on family, the next theme will be family heritage foods. I will keep you posted.
*You received your assignment for the "Where I'm From" poem. I do want you to fill out the brainstorming page. Come to class on Monday with a 1st draft of the poem.
Homework: 1. Complete the brainstorming sheet for the "Where I'm From" poem and write a 1st draft of the poem--Due Monday. The final draft will be due Friday.

8/20/15--Class Info

*Today was a project research and work day for your idiom/phrase presentation tomorrow. The board mentioned something about a "Where I'm From" assignment, but those copies didn't come in today, so that is being pushed. You will get it tomorrow.
 
Homework: I invite you to bring a food dish that you consider to be "ambrosia"...something so good it's as if it is from the gods themselves. Remember you will be presenting your idiom/phrase tomorrow to the class. Bring whatever materials you need.