2002-Myth Topics for Papers

Gorgon's head on a silver coin

Classics 215:

Mythology

Spring 2002

The god Apollo on a gold coin of Syracuse
image courtesy of Edgar L. Owen, #3803

Topics for Papers

Paper #1 topic
Due Wednesday, January 23

Directions:

post a copy in "submit papers to this folder" in the CLA 215 Mythology discussion folder
bring a paper copy to class on Wednesday, Jan. 23
length: 600-900
for more information about the format and about the writing intensive requirements, click here

Write on one of the topics below:

1. In the course of our discussion of creation myths, we have observed that these stories also provide windows into their respective cultures. For the Greek creation myth and one other, discuss what they reveal about the place/status/rights/etc. of women in the two societies.
2. In the course of our discussion of creation myths, we have observed that these stories share common themes/motifs despite being from different cultures/times/locations. Compare the Hopi creation myth with one or two other(s) with respect to these themes/motifs and hypothesize on the significance of the commonalities.

Paper #2 topic
Due Friday, February 1

Directions:

post a copy in "submit papers to this folder" in the CLA 215 Mythology discussion folder

bring a paper copy to class on Friday, Feb. 1

length: 600-900

for more information about the format and about the writing intensive requirements, click here

Topic:

1. Evaluate the following comment by Leeming with respect to one or two flood myth(s) (Greek, Mesopotamian: Utnapishtim, Hebrew, Mayan, Chinese, Indian: Manu). "Finally, in psychological terms, the flood myth, like the story of the hero's descent into the underworld, can be seen as a metaphor for the individual's necessary time in the dark world of the unconscious before the rebirth that is the achievement of individuation" (Leeming, p. 44).
2. In the course of our discussion of myths, we have observed that these stories also provide windows into their respective cultures. For the Greek flood story and either the Mesopotamian: Utnapishtim flood story or the Hebrew flood story, compare what they reveal about the place/status/rights/etc. of women in the two societies.

Paper#3 topic
Due Friday, March 1 Directions:

post a copy in "submit papers to this folder" in the CLA 215 Mythology discussion folder
bring a paper copy to class on
length: 600-900
for more information about the format and about the writing intensive requirements, click here

Topic: From a close, detailed reading of the Homeric Hymn to Aphrodite (Powell, 198-203) what overall picture emerges (examining both references to deities and humans, but focusing only on gender) of either Greek males and/or Greek females? Make sure you cite specific lines/passages to support your theses.

Paper #4 topic
Due Friday, March 22

Directions:

post a copy in "submit papers to this folder" in the CLA 215 Mythology discussion folder
bring a paper copy to class on Wednesday, March 20
length: 600-900
for more information about the format and about the writing intensive requirements, click here

Topic: Apply either Freud's theory or Jung's theory of myth interpretation to the Disney movie Hercules. Critique the theory in your conclusion. Make sure you give good concrete examples from the movie to illustrate the points you wish to make.

Paper #5 topic
Due Friday, April 5

Directions:

post a copy in "submit papers to this folder" in the CLA 215 Mythology discussion folder
bring a paper copy to class on Friday, April 5
length: 600-900
for more information about the format and about the writing intensive requirements, click here

Topic: Evaluate the myth of one of the following heroes--Perseus, Jason, Theseus--using one of the following myth interpretation theories--Malinowski's, Levi-Strauss', Freud's, Jung's--which you believe can best interpret the myth. Make sure you give good specific examples (with page numbers) to back up your conclusions. Also make sure you present a good argument on why you chose the theory that you did. You should also point out the shortcomings of the theory you chose with respect to the myth you chose.

Paper #6 topic
Due Wednesday, April 24

Directions:

post a copy in "submit papers to this folder" in the CLA 215 Mythology discussion folder
bring a paper copy to class on Monday, April 22
length: 600-900
for more information about the format and about the writing intensive requirements, click here

Topic: Write on one of the following topics.

1. Clytemnestra, as we saw in the section on the return of Agamemnon, is a very forceful and dominating character. Of the female "leads" listed next, determine and then present the case for which is most like her and which is least like her. The female "leads" are: Helen, Menelaus' wife; Andromache, Hector's wife; Andromeda, Perseus' wife; Medea, Jason's wife; Deianira, Heracles' wife; Meg, Hercules' girlfriend (Disney version). Make sure you give specific examples to back up your conclusions. [additional comment: note that presenting a case that a female "lead" is most like means showing how that lead is more like Cly than the others--i.e. you cannot simply argue that one is like Cly]
2. Part of the Greek value system was the concept of the Heroic Code. With respect to this code, compare and contrast Agamemnon with one of the following Greek heroes: Heracles, Perseus, Theseus, and Jason. In your essay give a brief but sufficient explanation of what the Heroic Code entailed. Make sure you give specific examples to back up your conclusions.