World Mythology

Course Description

This course provides an overview of mythology and its relationship to ancient and current cultures. The course covers the purposes and types of myths, the development of myths and mythological characters; the common elements of mythological structures, the predominant characteristics of deities and heroes in myth and the obstacles and dangers that these archetypes encounter, how myths affect our personal and social lives, in which these ancient archetypes are found in contemporary society, and how attitudes and behaviors are influenced by mythological literature.

Topics and Objectives

Development and Purposes of Myth

  • Analyze the relationship between knowledge and belief, myth, and religion.
  • Identify various functions of myth.
  • Understand myth as an expression of universal human experience.

Types of Myth

  • Distinguish between various types of myth.
  • Discuss how various cultures evolved mythologies to understand the universe.

Cosmic Myths

  • Establish the origin, order, and significance of the world through myths.
  • Compare and contrast the cosmic myths of different cultures and traditions.
  • Identify common mythological themes: birth, suffering, death, afterlife, and apocalypse.

Deities and Lesser Spirits

  • Examine concepts of ultimate power, finitude, good, and evil.
  • Describe predominant characteristics of deities and lesser spirits.

Mythological Heroes

  • Illustrate the predominant characteristics of the mythological hero.
  • Demonstrate the best and worst of humanity as symbolized through mythological heroes.
  • Examine the heroic quest or journey as a metaphor for each person's struggle for self-actualization.
  • Associate ancient archetypes to modern-day heroes.

Myths of Objects and Place

  • Understand how myths of object and place create an experience of transcendence or power.
  • Identify objects and places in contemporary society containing mythical significance.

Myth and Modernity

  • Identify contemporary myths prevalent in North American society.
  • Articulate the personal myths that shape your values, practices, and worldview.
  • Establish myth as an influential element of our personal and professional lives.

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