HUM 0015. Introduction to Mythology

Units: 3
Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A
Hours: 54 lecture
The major elements of western mythology, its history and development as part of the human experience and its influence on art, literature and politics. (CSU, UC)

HUM 0015 - Introduction to Mythology

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/course-outlines/hum-0015/

Catalog Description DESCRIPTION IS HERE: Advisory: Eligibility for ENGL 1A Hours: 54 lecture Description: The major elements of western mythology, its history and development as part of the human experience and its influence on art, literature and politics. (CSU, UC) Units 3 Lecture-Discussion 54 Laboratory By Arrangement Contact Hours 54 Outside of Class Hours Course Student Learning Outcomes Identify and describe diverse cultural values and artifacts related to mythology. Analyze and evaluate diverse cultural values and artifacts related to mythology. Compare and contrast selected values and artifacts relevant to mythology within and/or across cultures and eras. Communicate effectively orally or in writing on topic relevant to mythology. Course Content Outline I. Folklore, Myths and Legends A. Nature of Mythology B. Purposes of Mythology C. Origins of Mythology D. Development of Mythology II. Greek Myth A. Beginnings: Creation Stories B. Gods and Goddesses C. Heroes, Tricksters, and Devils/Demons/Evil Spirits III. Hebrew/Christian Myth A. Torah/Old Testament/Pentateuch Mythology B. Christian Mythology IV. Norse Myth V. Sumerian and Early Babylonian Myth: Origins and Gods VI. Babylonian Myth VII. Egyptian Myth Course Objectives Course Objectives Students will, through oral and written work: 1. Discuss and evaluate the ways in which the themes and patterns of myths provide insights into human experience; 2. Analyze and chart the ways in which cultural circumstances and values are reflected in myths; 3. Discuss and describe the relationship between myths and their cultural and historical settings as found in Classical, Hebrew, Norse, Babylonian and Sumerian, and Egyptian mythological systems; 4. Compare and contrast mythological Gods, heroes, adventures and creation stories from Classical, Hebrew, Norse, Babylonian and Sumerian, and Egyptian mythological systems; 5. Describe the historical background in which myths were created and analyze why these myths originated and succeeded in their specific historical and cultural climates; 6. Communicate analyses, interpretations and critiques about myths and mythology; 7. Identify and analyze the social, political and cultural influences on the development of mythology from the various aforementioned historical/cultural systems; 8. Identify and analyze the effects of mythological systems on social, political and cultural systems of the various aforementioned systems; 9. Describe and discuss the influence of myth on art and literature; 10. Describe and evaluate the influence of myth on historical as well as present day politics. Methods of Evaluation Classroom Discussions Essay Examinations Objective Examinations Projects Reading Assignments 1. Read Hesiod's account of the myth of Pandora ("Theogony" lines 560-612; "Works and Days" lines 60 - 105), and be prepared to discuss how Hesiod characterizes the feminine. 2. Read Read the chapter "The Voluspo" from the Poetic Edda and be prepared to discuss the themes of creation, conflict, and destruction within it. Writing, Problem Solving or Performance 1. Write a three page paper comparing and contrasting the story of Pandora with the story of Adam and Eve. 2. Pick a myth and analyze it from the points of view of various scholarly disciplines (you may not pick Oedipus Rex). 3. Read the story of Abraham's Binding of Isaac (Genesis 22), then read Soren Kierkegaard's "Fear and Trembling". Write a one page paper summarizing Kierkegaard's arguments, and a one page analysis of his argument: Do you agree with his analysis? Why or why not? Other (Term projects, research papers, portfolios, etc.) Methods of Instruction Lecture/Discussion Distance Learning Other materials and-or supplies required of students that contribute to the cost of the course.

Humanities

http://catalog.sierracollege.edu/departments/humanities/

The study of Humanities offers an approach which integrates the arts, literature, history, music, philosophy and other disciplines. The program focuses on the culture of human civilization from classic antiquity through the Middle Ages and Renaissance to the Modern Era. The objective of the Humanities is to give a sense of wholeness to human experience.