STANDARD COMPETENCIES:

 

 1. Define the term “myth” and describe the different types of myths and their functions.

 2. Analyze and interpret myth in connection to its historical context, world view, and psychological aspects.

 3. Evaluate mythical motifs and characters in different media: literature, art, film, music, and advertisements.

 4. Evaluate the impact of myth on contemporary life and thought.

 5. Analyze different methods of mythological interpretation.

 6. Compare and contrast myths including, but not limited to, classical, European, Asian, African, Native American, and contemporary myths.

 TOPICAL OUTLINE:

 

 II. What is myth?

 A. Meaning and functions

 B. Understanding myth

 1. Literary analysis

 2. Ethnographic evidence

 3. Psychological interpretation

 III. Myths of creation and destruction

 A. Common features of creation myths

 1. Compare and contrast creation myths of various cultures

 2. Analyze elements of storytelling and relate to cultural values

 B. Common features of destruction myths

 1. Compare and contrast destruction myths of various cultures

 2. Analyze elements of storytelling and relate to cultural values

 III. Hero myths

 A. Interpretation of hero myths

 1. Freud, Jung and Rank – psychological

 2. Joseph Campbell and the hero’s journey

 B. Compare and contrast hero myths of various cultures

 IV. Mythological expression

 A. Literature

 B. Art and architecture

 C. Film

 D. Music

 E. Other relevant media

 V. Myth and contemporary culture