Gorgon's head on a silver coin of Naples
Classics 215:

Mythology
 

Spring 2001

The god Apollo on a gold coin of Syracuse

Instructor: Dr. Victor A. Leuci

Texts: Objectives: The purpose of this course is 1) to introduce you to principal myths of Greece, Rome, northern Europe, India, China, the Near East, the Amerindians, and others, and 2) to explore the functions and patterns of myth in various ancient and modern cultures.  An important goal of the course is to develop a critical perspective that will allow you to compare the myths of different groups of people and to perceive the way in which certain mythic patterns seem to be universal in scope and others to be culturally specific.  In essence, everyone in the class should strive to become adept at listening to, reading, telling, and interpreting traditional tales.

Relationship to the General Education Curriculum (Tier II: Artistic Expression and Critical Appreciation Context-course in literature). Mythology is a key backdrop to all Greco-Roman art and literature, as well as the literature, written and oral, of almost all cultures, so the material studied will, by definition, be representative of significant movements and periods, as well as key themes and figures. As stated in the Objectives above one goal of the course is to develop a critical perspective which will involve developing the students’ ability to analyze and discuss the material using key terminology and a variety of approaches. Understanding a society’s mythology is often essential in understanding that society and its concommittant culture since cultures often use myths as a key way of examining the human condition. Thus through this study of mythology, students will explore the relationship between art and society in order to gain insight into cultural aspects of society and develop a perspective that enhances understanding of the human condition. A study of mythology, with the importance of reading parts of significant works of literature and looking at how mythology was a key mover in the arts in general, cannot but help to promote an appreciation of the arts.

Writing Intensive Option: Several different types of writing will be part of the course: microthemes, three to four exams that are predominately essay (two of which must be the take-home versions), and a long paper. Two to six microthemes will be assigned as a means to help participants come to a better understanding of important themes, ideas, and concepts. The first two microthemes will be revised on the basis of a conference with a tutor at the Writing Lab;  the paper will be revised on the basis of a conference with me. Through conference sessions each student will develop and refine the paper topic. A critique and conference after the completion of the paper may also occur. In general, participants in the class should highly consider using the services of the Writing Lab and especially the Lab tutors, who can be of tremendous assistance.
 
 

Format: The course will consist of both lectures and discussion.  More than three unexcused absences will be considered excessive, and no make-up work will be accepted for unexcused absences. All students and faculty must adhere to the Honor Code; please see the Student Life Handbook for the full description  of the Honor Code.

Grading:

Exams and quizzes: The exams will be a combination of fill-in the blank or short answer with essays. Usually there will be 10-15 fill in the blank questions worth 2 points each and two essays (one long and one short) worth 25 to 40 points each. The quiz will be similar to a regular exam, only shorter. The essays should be well written in standard paragraph format and replete with pertinent facts to support your thesis (or theses). The average length for a good long essay is usually at least 300 words, i.e. one to two full pages depending on how large you write, what type of margins you use, etc. You will typically receive a review sheet one week before the exam as an aid in your preparation. You may choose a take-home option on the exams. This will involve writing three 700-1000 word essays. The topics for these essays will be provided along with the review sheet for the in-class exam.

Microthemes and Paper:

  • Content:
    • Attendance:  Regular attendance and participation are essential for the success of the whole class.  More than three unexcused absences will be considered excessive, and no make-up work will be accepted for unexcused absences.  A hard copy and an electronic copy of papers are due at the beginning of the class period.  Let me repeat, no make-up work will be accepted for unexcused absences. A hard copy and an electronic copy of papers are due at the beginning of the class period. I expect you to abide by Westminster’s honor code.

    Assignments:  The assignments given below are not "set-in-stone," and may vary depending on how each class period goes. The syllabus will be updated as needed.
     
    Jan. 10-12
    W-F
    		 Introduction. The Nature of Myth. Powell, Chapter 1; Leeming 3-8
    15-19
    M-F
    		 Origins and Creations: Egyptian, Hebrew, Indian, John (Christian) Hopi, Bantu, and Big Bang. Leeming 14-42. Leeming 36-42. Children of Chaos; Children of Gaea.  Powell, Chapter 4, 72-84 Theories of Myth Interpretation. Powell, Ch. 23
    22-26
    M-F
    		 Origins: Zeus vs. Cronus and the Titans, Typhoeus, and Giants; Babylonian and Hittite Creation Story. Powell Chapter 4, 85-105. Theories of Myth Interpretation Powell, Ch. 23. QUIZ, Friday Jan. 26 Click here
    29-Feb. 2
    M-F
    		 Origin of Mortals. Powell, Chapter 5; Flood Stories. Leeming 43-60 Theories of Myth Interpretation Powell, Ch. 23.
    5-9
    M-F
    		 Origin of Mortals (continued)  EXAM 1 Wed., Feb. 7 Click here; Take-home option topics
    14-16
    		 M-F Myths of the Olympians. Powell, Chapter 6 & 7. 
    19-23
    		 M-F The God as Archetype. Leeming 123-4. The Trickster. Powell Ch. 7, 175-188; Leeming 163, 165-172.
    26-Mar. 2
    		 M-F Myths of the Olympians: The Female Deities Powell, Chapter 8.
    5-9
    		 M-F Myths of Fertility: Demeter and the Great Goddess. Powell Chapter 9
    12-16
    		 M-F SPRING BREAK
    19-23
    		 M-F Myths of Fertility: Dionysus. Powell Ch. 10 Leeming 146-152 
    26-30
    		 M-F Myths of Death and the Apocalypse. Powell Ch. 11; Leeming 76-88; Introduction to Heroic Myth. Powell, Ch. 12 EXAM 1I Wed., Mar. 30 Click here; Take-home option topics
    Apr. 2-6
    		 M-F The Trojan War. Powell, Ch. 19 & 20
    9-13
    		 M-F The Returns. Powell, Ch. 20 & 21 
    16-20
    		 M-F The Returns. Powell, Ch. 21. Heracles, Powell, Ch. 14 Microtheme Monday, April 16 Click here
    23-27
    		 M-F Heracles, Powell, Ch. 14 Paper Wednesday, April 25 Click here
    May 2
    		 W 3:00 pm FINAL EXAM Click here; Take-home option topics