Mythology
Professor: Justin Stone
Email:
Class: Hum 2310 - 13200
Office: EC1-141
Textbook: The World of Myth 2nd Edition (David A. Leeming)
World Mythology (Roy Wiliis)
Additional required material will be posted on Blackboard
Course Description
Examines world mythology in comparative perspective, analyzes myths with a variety of methods, and considers the application of mythological ideas and symbols in the humanities. Students must demonstrate college-level writing skills through multiple assignments.
Essays and Writing
This is a Gordon Rule course and requires 6,000 words of writing, along with a minimum grade of C, to satisfy the Gordon Rule requirement. To achieve this goal, TWO essays, each 3-5 pages in length, will be assigned. (See the individual essay rubrics for further instructions.)
Discussions and Participation
It is important to be active in this class. The Discussion assignments are designed to teach critical thinking skills and prepare you for the next class. You are also required to respond to at least two of your classmates as a part of your grade. This will require you to log into Blackboard often and submit to these discussions. All assignments and essays MUST be turned in ON TIME.
Plagiarism
The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers, 5th editionstates, "to use another person's ideas or expressions in your writing without acknowledging the source is to plagiarize. Plagiarism, then, constitutes intellectual theft” (30). Examples of plagiarism are: not using quotation marks to designate direct quotes, not citing paraphrased or summarized information from an outside source, and copying or buying papers and essays and presenting them as one's own. Any paper found to be flagrantly plagiarized will receive an automatic F, and score of zero. A second offense will lead to academic sanctions including, but not limited to, failure of this course. A citation error is not flagrant plagiarism, but presenting someone else’s ideas as your own is. For more information on plagiarism visit: http://www.indiana.edu/~wts/pamphlets/plagiarism.shtml
Classroom Behavior
This is a discussion-based class. Often, you will be presented with points of view that may conflict with your own. Academic debate is highly encouraged, but rude and offensive behavior toward any member of the classroom will not be tolerated.
Attendance
It is important to attend every class and to arrive on time. In the occurrence of an absence, it is the responsibility of the student to contact the instructor to inquire about missed assignments. Exams, essays and other assignments MUST be turned in ON TIME, unless an earlier make-up date is requested and approved prior to the scheduled due date.
Exams
The exams will be comprised of short answer and essay questions. Notes, books, computers, cellphones, or any other study aids will not be allowed during the exam. Exam questions will come from both the readings and the in-class discussions. Failure to follow test-taking guidelines or an unexcused absence on exam day will result in an automatic zero score for the exam.
Presentation
This assignment is a 5 to 10 minute long, multi-media, presentation that will be given by each student during the last week of class or on the scheduled Final Exam meeting. Attendance is mandatory for these classes. 20 points will be deducted from your Presentation grade for every day that you miss. You must be prepared to give your presentation when called on. Failure to do so will result in a score of zero on this assignment.
Grading Scale
A / 900-1000B / 800-899
C / 700-799
D / 600-699
F / 0-599
Discussions: 10pts each x10 = 100
Exams: 200pts each x2 = 400
Essays: 200pts each x2 = 400
Presentation: = 100
Total: = 1000
*This syllabus is subject to change by the instructor at any time
Schedule of Classes
Week 1: Review Syllabus / What is Mythology?
Week 2: <Place and Object Myths> The Afterlife / The Myth of Er
Week 3: Mountain, City, Temple / Genitals and The Tree
Week 4: <Myths of the Gods>: Pantheons / Supreme Being
Week 5: Great Mother / The Dying God
Week 6: The Trickster God / <Cosmic Myths> Creation
Week 7: <Lenses of Mythology> The Flood / The Apocalypse
Week 8: Exam #1 / Hero’s Journey <Hero Myths> Essay #1 Due
Week 9: Hercules / Gilgamesh
Week 10: Spring Break
Week 11: Myths in Movies: Star Wars
Week 12: Exam #2 / King Arthur (Withdraw Deadline 3/30)
Week 13: The Buddha / Jesus, Muhammad, and Mary
Week 14: Jonah / Orpheus Essay #2 Due
Week 15: Presentations
Final Exam: Presentation: Apr 23rd @ 10am
** This syllabus is subject to change by the instructor at any time