World Mythology class

SPRING
Introduction to World Mythology (MHUMAN 140)
Recommended for success: Eligibility for English 101.
_____________________________________________

REQUIRED TEXTBOOKS.
1. Introduction to Mythology:
Contemporary Approaches to Classical and World Myths, (paperback).

2. A Short History of Myth
by Karen Armstrong.
Canongate Books Ltd. 2006.
ISBN-10: 1-84195-800-X
ISBN-13-978-1-84195-800-2

_________________________________
Recommended:
World Mythology, Roy Willis, editor. Henry Holt Reference Book, 1996. Optional. Color illustrations and maps, essays, and myth summaries complement our main text.
The following editions are basically the same:
The 1996 Owl Book paperback: ISBN 0-8050-4913-4 (used copies of are available online)
or the 2006 Oxford U Press paperback
ISBN: 0195307526.
Description and comments at amazon.com.

COURSE DESCRIPTION

An overview of world mythology, the study of myths: their nature, functions, and symbolism, their cultural contexts, artistic expressions, and influence on contemporary life. This course will also explore how myths relate to great human themes that run through the world’s cultures.

Mythic stories and mythic systems help us understand who and what we are, and what we want to be. You will learn how myths have come about in various parts of the world and how they have functioned in society, reshaping to reflect changes.

We will explore how mythological thinking has affected experience and human understanding since prehistoric times. By comparing myths and cultures, and different forms of artistic expression and interpretation, you will improve your abilities to analyze, conceptualize, and communicate across disciplines, and you will discover what these stories have to do with people’s lives today. Includes cultural event experiences. Events Guidelines will be provided.

Please note: This is a classroom course with online enhancements. Students need to use the Internet and Blackboard (our online campus course management system) to read, save or print materials, to upload homework, and to take quizzes.

Click here, for more on myth and mythology.

_____________________________________________

Also Recommended:
The Power of Myth, by Joseph Campbell with Bill Moyers. Optional. Bound transcript of filmed interviews with mythologist Campbell, from popular PBS television program. Handy as a reference to psychological and symbolic aspects of myths.
Anchor Books 1988 edition is un-illustrated and therefore less expensive paperback edition: ISBN 0-385-41886-8. Other new and used editions, as well as audio CDs, VHS and DVDs of the interviews can be found in libraries and for purchase. Descriptions and comments at amazon.com.

A more extensive list of book recommendations on Blackboard.

by Eva Thury and Margaret Devinney, Oxford University Press. 2nd edition. 2009.
ISBN 978-0-19-533294-0.
Description at amazon.com