Topics for Microthemes and Paper
 

Topic for Microtheme: Due Monday, April 16

Directions: Write 530-1000 word essay on the topic below (don't forget to post your essay in the folder "Submit papers here" in addition to bringing a hard copy to class).
Apply and evaluate one of the following theories [Jung's, Freud's, Malinowski's, Levi-Strauss'] to a story or group of stories from Powell, Chapter 21.
Topics for Paper: Due Wednesday, April 25
Directions: Write 1600-3000 word essay on one of the three topics below (don't forget to post your essay in the folder "Submit papers here" in addition to bringing a paper copy to class).
1. Examine the myths of 2-3 of the Greek gods and 2-3 of the Greek goddesses we have studied (Powell, Chapters 7-10) from the point of view of either Frazer, Malinowski, Levi-Strauss, Freud, or Jung. Make sure you state succinctly but accurately the central tenets of the theory you use and that you use pertinent examples from the myths to illustrate your points. Also evaluate how effective a tool the particular theory of myth interpretation is for the myths you cover.

2. Evaluate the respective merits of two of the following theories of myth interpretation (Frazer's, Malinowski's, Levi-Strauss', Freud's, or Jung's) with respect to the myths of 3 of the Greek gods and/or goddesses we have studied (Powell, Chapters 7-10). Make sure you state succinctly but accurately the central tenets of the theory you use and that you use pertinent examples from the myths to illustrate your points.

3. Evaluate the respective merits of two of the following theories of myth interpretation (Frazer's, Malinowski's, Levi-Strauss', Freud's, or Jung's) with respect to the myths of a Greek "city" we will not cover in class (i.e. Powell, Chapters 13, 15-18). Make sure you state succinctly but accurately the central tenets of the theory you use and that you use pertinent examples from the myths to illustrate your points.

4. Examine the myths of two Greek "cities" which we will not cover in class (i.e. Powell, Chapters 13, 15-18) from the point of view of either Frazer, Malinowski, Levi-Strauss, Freud, or Jung. Make sure you state succinctly but accurately the central tentes of the theory you use and that you use pertinent examples from the myths to illustrate your points. Also, evaluate how effective a tool the particular theory of myth interpretation is for the myths you cover.

5. Self-designed: Come up with a topic of your own. You must get the topic approved by me and must turn in a one page abstract/outline by Friday, April 13.