Myth syllabus

From Silvers

1 RE 330.01 Myth and Imagination

RE 330.01 Myth and Imagination

Course Hours Fall 2006 W/F 12:40-2:10

Office Hourse Fall 2006 W 2:30-3:30

Course Description

This course functions as an advanced course in Theory of Religion. We will begin with Von Hendy's The Modern Construction of Myth, a survey of the history of the study of myth in the West from Vico through Romantic, Modern, Postmodern, and Constructivist theorists. Following the survey we will do close readings of sources from three traditions: Maya, Christianity, and Islam. Each tradition will provide us with a different opportunity to evaluate and understand myth and its academic study in the West. The Mayan Popul Vuh will give us the opportunity to interpret a (probably) culturally unfamiliar primary source without benefit of secondary commentaries. Using the theoretical perspectives surveyed earlier we will discuss different possible interpretations and evaluate their usefulness. For Christianity we will look at Avis' God and the Creative Imagination, a contemporary theological text that reclaims Romantic notions of “imagination” and “beauty” through Postmodern critiques of the same.

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Required Reading

A. Von Hendy, The Modern Construction of Myth

The Popul Vuh, translated by D. Tedlock

P. Avis, God and the Creative Imagination

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Course Requirements

Class Participation 20%
Leading Discussion 20%
3 Papers 60%

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Papers

There will be one paper on each section of 7-10 pages a piece. Each paper will be on one theme discussed in class from the assigned reading. No outside sources will be necessary.

Click through to read How I grade Papers

Click through to read Submitting Papers

Click through to read Paper Policy

Please speak to me if you do not understand anything you have read here on how I grade papers, submitting them, or my late paper policy. You are responsible for yourself. If you do not read these sections and you err in some way as a result, it is your fault. Speak to me or write me an e-mail if you have any questions. I will be glad to hear from you.

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Class Participation

Click through for my expectations for your Class Participation

In addition: Be Ready for Class

All the reading will be done on time.
All your questions and comments will arise directly from the texts. Our discussions will stay close to the text in every class.
I will ask you questions whether or not you volunteer to speak. I will ask follow up questions when you do speak.
There is no escape from being ready for class.

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Leading Discussions

Each student will be responsible for choosing one day of class and leading the discussion that day. Discussion Leaders must show me a lesson plan at least two days before his or her assigned day. Your grade will be based on the organization of your lesson plan and the insights that you draw out during class discussion. Please feel free to ask me any questions, at any time, while reading or drawing up your lesson plan.

The Lesson Plan includes:

1. The major points you think the class should take away from the reading.

2. Subpoints that are crucial to understanding each major point with textual citations.

3. References to past readings to pull earlier readings together with the present reading

4. Questions to ask the class to prompt discussion.

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Course Schedule

9/6: Introduction to Course

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Theories of Myth

9/8: Von Hendy: Chapter 1

9/13: Von Hendy: Chapter 2

9/15: Von Hendy: Chapters 3

9/20: Von Hendy: Chapters 3 and 4

9/22: Von Hendy: Chapter 4

9/27: Von Hendy: Chapter 5

9/29 Von Hendy: Chapter 7

10/4: Von Hendy: Chapter 8

Film: Sukhavati: Place of Bliss
We will critique this film in class after viewing a portion of it. Watch for the characteristics of Campbell's method as given by Von Hendy. Discuss.

10/6: Von Hendy: Mid-Von-Hendy Review (the narrative so far)

10/11: Von Hendy: Chapter 9-10

10/13: Von Hendy: Chapter 12 (Clayman)

10/18: Von Hendy: Chapter 13

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