Mythology in Literature

Course Code:

ENG-253

Course Group(s):

GE DIV, GE HUM

Course Description:

Myths of ancient cultures from around the globe are read and discussed through some of their great epics, plays, poems, folktales and histories. Students study myths from diverse cultures and traditions, such as Greco-Roman, Judeo-Christian, Mesopotamian, Egyptian, African, Hindu, Buddhist, Taoist, Nordic, Meso-American and Native American. Students analyze research and write about the myths they read. Moreover, they examine the manipulation of myth by one culture to promote its own values over those of another. Myths are also studied from a variety of critical perspectives, including the literary, cultural, psychological, historical, religious, sociological, and anthropological. As part of their analysis, students explore the way myth can formulate ethical dilemmas, such as religious faith vs. reason; blood vengeance vs. trial by jury; pacifism vs. war & imperialism; women's rights vs. male hegemony; individual vs. community rights; family obligation vs. civic duty, etc. Attention is also given to the relevance of myths to contemporary cultural beliefs and practices. Occasional Offering.

Credit:

Instruction methods:

Lecture: 3 Hours

Corequisites:

ENG-122

English

Mythology in Literature