ENG 253Mythology in Literature

Catalog

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; womens 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.