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
9/23/15--Class Info
Agenda:
*Journal #8 with discussion
*Share out articles in your groups...if everyone brought one, you should have at least 4 articles you could possibly use as support in your paper.
*Brainstorming and organizing with tips handout
HW: Myth Quest #5 due Friday
9/22/15--Class Info
Agenda:
*Read and annotate article on applying Marxist theories to family dynamics.
*Essay assignment handed out. You may choose any aspect of the theory to focus on...the essay is open for you to take it in any direction you would like, as long as you address the issue and adhere to the basic requirements.
HW: 1. Myth Quest #5 due Friday. 2. Find an article that either supports a Marxist analysis of family dynamics or challenges it. Your article should have a psychology focus. Bring 4 copies to share with your groupmates.
9/21/15--Class Info
Agenda:
*Myth Quest #5
*Discuss and collect questions for "Big Fish." This was a graded discussion.
HW: Myth Quest #5 due Friday.
Reminder: Sign up for Remind account
9/18/15--Class Info
Agenda:
*I collected Myth Quest 4
*We finished "Big Fish". I hope you enjoyed it.
HW: Finish the questions for "Big Fish". Be prepared for discussion on Monday.
Reminder: Sign up for Remind account
9/17/15--Class Info
Agenda:
*We continued "Big Fish" today. Make sure you are completing the questions each night.
HW: 1. Myth Quest #4. 2. "Big Fish" questions.
9/16/15--Class Info
Agenda:
*Discuss Journal #7 and share out quotes on humility
*Discuss and collect "House of Atreus"
*Begin viewing "Big Fish". As we watch the film, remember to try to connect the themes with the myths on family we have seen so far. Think about parent/child relationships, family inheritance, effects of finding out your fate. Also, think about the mythological archetypes you see in the film.
HW: 1. Myth Quest #4 due Friday. 2. Complete the questions for "Big Fish" as we view the film.
Reminder: Sign up for Remind account
9/15/15--House of Thebes
Read in class. Did not collect.
9/15/15--Myth journal #7--humility
Do the second bullet point for HW.