Course Syllabus

ENGL 2230 Introduction to Mythology

Course Description

This course explores myths from cultures around the world, including Europe, the Americas, Africa, Asia, the Pacific Islands and other areas. The course focuses on application of the myths to literature, culture, and history.

Justification

This course has a common number with similar courses at other USHE schools. ENGL 2230 serves as an important option for English majors, who need to understand ways in which myths intersect with written literature. The course satisfies a Humanities credit.

General Education Outcomes

1. A student who completes the GE curriculum has a fundamental knowledge of human cultures and the natural world. Students will read and discuss a selection of oral and written myths—including some of the earliest-known writings and stories from a variety of cultures—focusing discussion on the ways the writings have influenced the development of civilization and culture.
2. A student who completes the GE curriculum can read and research effectively within disciplines. Students will read a variety of texts and research the history and cultural context of myths.
3. A student who completes the GE curriculum can draw from multiple disciplines to address complex problems. Students will use insights from geography, history, climate and geological science, the arts, and the humanities to read and interpret myths. This work will inform discussion about the epistemological work of narrative.
4. A student who completes the GE curriculum can reason analytically, critically, and creatively. Students will critically evaluate the ideas and themes of many myths and folk tales, identifying differences between their values and the values of the culture being studied.
5. A student who completes the GE curriculum can communicate effectively through writing and speaking. Students will identify and discuss interpretations and applications of the readings in class, both in small groups and in open discussion. Additionally, students' written assignments are designed around the collaborative model and incorporate all elements of the writing process.

General Education Knowledge Area Outcomes

1. Students will read and discuss questions about the human condition as reflected in myths that have been raised over several millennia and across the globe. These questions deal with the origins of the world, human relationships, taboos, social structures, etc.  Students will read and discuss questions about the human condition as reflected in myths that have been raised over several millennia and across the globe. These questions deal with the origins of the world, human relationships, taboos, social structures, etc.
2. EXPLAIN: Explain how humanities artifacts take on meaning within networks or systems (such as languages, cultures, values, and worldviews) that account for the complexities and uncertainties of the human condition. Students will explore ways in which oral and written myths are part of larger cultural systems. They will read these narratives as examples of the complexities within the human condition.
3. ANALYZE: Analyze humanities artifacts according to humanities methodologies, such as a close analysis, questioning, reasoning, interpretation, and critical thinking. Students will read myths closely, paying attention to language, oral-formulaic-structures, themes, and other literary devices.
4. COMPARE AND CONTRAST: Compare and contrast diverse humanistic perspectives across cultures, communities, and/or time periods to explain how people make meaning of their lives. Students will compare, contrast, and situate myths within proper historical context to understand how people make meaning of their lives throughout time.
5. APPLY: Using humanities perspectives, reflect on big questions related to aesthetics, values, meaning, and ethics and how those apply to their own lives.  Students will examine big questions within myths related to values, ethics, and aesthetics and apply insights gained to modern people.

Course Content

This course will focus on myths from around the world. A tradition of the instructor's choice (such as Greek or Norse mythology) may lay a foundation for comparison with myths from other traditions. Instructors may choose from additional myths such as, Polynesian, Egyptian, Yuruban, Mayan, Navajo (and other North American tribes), Persian, Irish, Chinese, Pashtun, or Hindi traditions.The class aims to explore trends, contradictions, and themes among myths. Students may also consider related narrative genres of folktales, legends, and memorates.Finally, instructors will guide students in considering literature, art, and history that invoke myth.