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MYTHOLOGY (HUM 2310)
CRN: 26708 Credit: 3 hours
Spring 2015
Instructor: Mrs. Eileen Bobeck-Thoresen
E-Mail: ebobeckthoresen@valenciacollege.edu (preferred method of contact)
Contact Number: 407-490-2992 (phone/text)
Course Type: Online via Blackboard
Office Hours: By Appointment
I will respond to all phone calls, e-mails, and texts within a 48 hour period. Please
be sure that you are logging into the course regularly and checking email at least
every other day to keep yourself informed of any changes or announcements in the
course.
Valencia College is committed to providing each student a quality educational experience.
Faculty members have set high standards of instruction for themselves and for you. If you
have a problem in a class, your first step is to talk to your instructor. If you are still
dissatisfied, you may talk with the academic dean of the division for your class. We will work
together to resolve any issues that arise.
Required Text:
The World of Myth, Second Edition by David A. Leeming
(ISBN: 978-0-19-931636-6)
-other materials will be provided by instructor in Blackboard.
Course Description:
Prerequisite: ENC 1101 or ENC 1101H or IDH 1110. 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. Gordon Rule
course in which the student is required to demonstrate college-level writing skills
through multiple assignments. Minimum grade of C required if used to satisfy
Gordon Rule requirement.
Course Objectives:
1. To think critically about the interrelated nature of history, art, literature and
philosophy
2. To appreciate the universality of the human condition
3. To examine, affirm and challenge the thought patterns of our own era by
understanding the past
4. To extend mastery of Valencia’s core competencies:
a. Think: think clearly, critically, and creatively, analyze, synthesize,
integrate and evaluate in many domains of human inquiry
b. Value: make reasoned judgments and responsible commitments
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c. Act: act purposefully, effectively and responsibly
d. Communicate: communicate with different audiences using varied
means.
Valencia College Core Competencies:
The faculty of Valencia College has identified four core competencies that define
the learning outcomes for a successful Valencia graduate. These competencies are
at the heart of the Valencia experience and provide the context for learning and
assessment at Valencia College. You will be given opportunities to develop and
practice these competencies in this class. The four competencies are:
1. Think - think clearly, and creatively, analyze, synthesize, integrate and
evaluate in the many domains of human inquiry
2. Value - make reasoned judgments and responsible commitments
3. Communicate - communicate with different audiences using varied means
4. Act - act purposefully, effectively and responsibly.
College Catalog/Student Handbook/Policy Manual
A full description of all College policies can be found in the College Catalog at
http://valenciacollege.edu/catalog/
The Student Handbook can be found at:
http://valenciacollege.edu/studentdev/CampusInformationServices/
The Policy Manual can be found at:
http://www.valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/
The college calendar can be found at:
http://valenciacollege.edu/calendar/ for important dates
Support Services:
- Tutoring services are available in bldg. 7-240 (West Campus)
- Introduce yourself to Smarthinking (smarthinking.com), an online on-demand
student support site
- Valencia College offers a variety of SkillShops:
Short seminars covering a variety of topics which deal with student success, goals
and purpose. To check out Valencia’s Skillshop offerings, go to:
http://valenciacollege.edu/studentservices/skillshops.cfm
-See Reading Response paper section for Writing Center contact/hours of operation.
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Course Platform- Blackboard:
This course is presented in Blackboard online. You are scored based upon your
regular submissions in Blackboard. Therefore, you need regular access to a
computer with internet capability. Internet access is available on campus.
Please be sure to complete your Blackboard tutorial before getting started in system
if you are new to the online format.
1. Visit learn.valenciacollege.edu
2. Use your Atlas username and password to log in
3. Click on the “Mythology” link located on the mid-right side
4. On the left-hand side is a list of tools. Click “Content” to access assignments as well
as supplemental videos, power point presentations, handouts, and SafeAssign links.
If at any time you are having trouble accessing Blackboard or need help in general,
please contact the Blackboard Help Desk immediately at: 407-582-5600. You can
also visit: http://valenciacollege.edu/oit/Its/StudentResources/
Technology problems will not be considered a valid excuse for failure to turn in your
work via SafeAssign or for not submitting quizzes/tests by the predetermined
deadline. Therefore, I highly recommend completing assignments early, in case you
have a problem. Students must use a computer with reliable internet access
because excuses or failure to complete assessments due to computer error will not
be permitted.
Attendance:
Although we do not meet face-to-face, it is an expectation that you will log into your
course at least every other day and complete the weekly readings and assignments
by the due date on the course calendar.
Simply logging into the course does NOT constitute as attending. You must be
submitting the weekly assignments in order to be considered attending and
progressing satisfactorily in the course. Zeros will be issued for missing all missing
work not completed by the deadlines on the course calendar, resulting in grade
penalty. Any student who does not complete the first discussion posting
during week one (by Tuesday, January 20th) will be dropped as a no-show. AT
NO OTHER TIME in the semester will I withdraw any student for any reason. If that
is your wish, you must complete the necessary steps in Atlas to withdraw yourself
from this course.
The following grading scale is used:
A=90-100; B=80-89; C=70-79; D=60-69; F=below 60
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Evaluation:
Exams- 20% (2)
There will be two non-cumulative exams throughout the course that will consist of
multiple choice questions from each week’s readings (including discussion posting
weeks). Each test will be worth a possible of 100 points. If a student does not
complete the exam by 11:59pm Saturdays per the determined due dates, the
student will receive a zero. In the case of a reasonable absence due to extenuating
circumstances (doctor’s note, death certificate, jury duty or other documented
proof), a make-up exam will be offered with no penalty, but at the instructor’s
discretion.
***You will only have ONE attempt at the Mid Term and Final Exams.
Therefore, it is critical that you are using a reliable browser when you attempt these
exams. If you have any concerns that your browser will not allow you to complete
the test within two hours and submit without incident, please plan to use a campus
computer to take these exams. These exams will NOT be reset under any
condition.
Reading Quizzes- 20% (5)
There will be five short reading quizzes throughout the term via Blackboard. The
date of each quiz will NOT be announced ahead of time. Instead, the instructor will
send an announcement via Blackboard and Atlas e-mail announcing the availability
of each quiz and the dates are listed under the Class Calendar section of your
syllabus. Each quiz will consist of five multiple choice or true/false questions, worth
a total of 25 points (5 points per question). The quizzes will focus on the weekly
readings assigned. The reading quizzes will be worth a total of 125 points.
Quizzes will become available by Sunday of the scheduled week and students must
submit by 11:59pm of the Saturday deadline. The quizzes will become unavailable
to students after 11:59pm Saturday and the student will earn a zero should he
choose not to take it before the deadline. The student will have two attempts to take
each reading quiz with the highest score being kept in your gradebook.
Discussion postings 30% (6)
Because this is a writing course your thoughtful and specific feedback to the
discussion posting prompt is required in order to earn full credit for your
posting. Each student will give their thoughtful feedback to the posted discussion
question for the 6 respective weeks. Then you will respond to a classmate’s post by
specifically responding to their main point of discussion. IE- If the student responds
to the story of Hercules, you need to discuss the myth as well as the hero described
in the story and your thoughts on the myth in a well-developed paragraph. The
discussion postings consist of 150 points and are worth 25 points each.
Discussion posting RUBRIC:
Respond using a paragraph of 4-6 sentences each
(10 points)
Use an example from the week’s reading that support your position
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(10 points)
Compose a thoughtful response to another student’s posting of at least 2-3
relevant sentences (5 points)
Reading Response Papers 30% (2)
Two Reading Response papers are due during the semester. Please see course
outline for specific dates due. Please see Reading Response Paper guidelines and
writing prompts below.
The papers are worth a possible 200 points (100 points each). Papers will be due
by 11:59pm the 2 respective Saturdays. No late papers will be accepted unless
documentation is provided for an absence due to extenuating circumstances. It is
highly unlikely that you will earn the required C in this course without submitting
both papers.
You are required to submit an electronic copy of your paper on the SafeAssign
program via Blackboard. If your paper is not submitted, I will NOT grade your
paper and you will receive an automatic zero. The only exception to this rule is
proof of an extenuating circumstance (excluding technology issues). The paper must
be submitted by 11:59pm on the day it is due. However, PLEASE plan to submit
your papers well before the deadline as Blackboard experiences very high usage in
the late hours of the evening! Don’t wait until an hour before the paper is due to
submit it as you may not be able to do so! Deadlines will not be extended due to
poor planning.
Reading Response Paper Guidelines:
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Each response must be a minimum of 750 words (approximately three pages)
The paper must have a header that includes your name, class information (HUM
2310), and date.
 The paper must be double-spaced, 12-font, Times New Roman or Arial font
 A word count must be included either at the beginning or at the end of the paper.
If using sources, please include a works cited page (MLA format).
READING RESPONSE PAPER QUESTION LIST
Reading Response Paper #1 (Due February 28th):
You will select either the Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Greek, or Roman culture. Next
you will select one of the stories that you have read from that culture. For example,
you might select Homer’s The Iliad, Mesopotamia’s The Epic of Gilgamesh, or Egypts
Osiris myth. Using your story to guide you, explain which archetype(s) correlate to
your chosen story. Keep in mind that your story might contain more than one
archetype. You will need to use specific examples and references to both your story
and the archetype.
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Reading Response Paper #2 (Due April 11th):
You will select two mythological figures from two different cultures to compare and
contrast. For example, you might wish to select two sun deities, two trickster gods,
or two love goddesses to compare and contrast. You will need to use specific
examples and references to their characteristics and story in your paper. Please see
your textbook and other scholarly resources for further information on your deities.
SCORING RUBRIC FOR READING RESPONSE PAPERS:
Quality of argument (staying on topic, using textual examples)
30 pts
Thesis clear and stated in introductory paragraph/addressed
in each subsequent paragraph?
15 pts
Proper MLA formatting used/outside sources cited/
3 quotes used minimum
15 pts
Overall organization of the paper- (introduction, conclusion,
Clear argument made connecting with thesis statement)
15 pts
Proper spelling and grammar used
TOTAL:
25 pts
100 pts
The West Campus Writing Center is open and accepting appointments to assist
students. Please plan ahead and contact them should you need assistance
creating a thesis or with the general structure of writing a paper.
Hours: Mon-Thurs 8am-8pm
Friday
8am-5pm
Saturday 9am-2pm
The Mobile Writing Center is open on the first floor of the library (Building 6) in the
group study area during these times:
Monday-Thursday
8am-2pm
For more information about what the Writing Center can do for you, please call us at
(407)582-5454 or visit our website:
http://valenciacollege.edu/west/lss/communications/writing.cfm
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Virtual Classroom Behavior
Valencia College is dedicated to promoting honorable personal and social conduct.
By enrolling at Valencia, a student assumes the responsibility for knowing and
abiding by the rules articulated in the Student Code of Conduct (6Hx28:10-03). The
instructor reserves the right to refer students who engage in activities that are
disruptive to the learning environment to the Dean of Students for disciplinary
action. The following list, though not exhaustive, includes things which are
disruptive to the learning environment: cheating, foul language, being disrespectful
to your classmate’s postings.
Professional language and proper “netiquette” is required in all
communications between students including emails and discussion postings.
Inappropriate language will be dealt with swiftly by the Dean and will result in
grade penalty to the student.
In addition, Valencia College strives to provide a drug-free learning environment for
all those involved in the academic experience. Our policy is as follows:
In compliance with the provisions of the Federal Drug-Free Schools and Communities
Act of 1989, Valencia College will take such steps as are necessary in order to adopt
and implement a program to prevent the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of
illicit drugs and alcohol by Valencia College students or employees on college premises
or as part of any college activity.
Student Integrity and Academic Dishonesty
All students are expected to behave with integrity. Plagiarism and cheating are
unethical, and students caught engaging in such activities will be subject to
disciplinary action, including loss of credit for an assignment or for the entire
course, probation, suspension, or even dismissal. For further information, please
refer to college policies published in the student handbook. ALL CASES OF
SUSPECTED PLAGIARISM will be referred to the appropriate campus Humanities
Dean and the student will earn an automatic zero for the paper.
Each student is required to follow Valencia policy regarding academic honesty. All work
submitted by students is expected to be the result of the student’s individual thoughts,
research, and self-expression unless the assignment specifically states ‘group project.
What is Plagiarism? (Taken from Valencia’s webpages on Plagiarism at
http://www.valenciacc.edu/library/west/recommended/plagiarism.asp)
Many people think of plagiarism as copying another's work, or borrowing someone else's
original ideas. But terms like "copying" and "borrowing" can disguise the seriousness of
the offense:
According to the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary, to "plagiarize" means
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to steal and pass off (the ideas or words of another) as one's own
to use (another's production) without crediting the source
to commit literary theft
To present as new and original an idea or product derived from an existing source.
In other words, plagiarism is an act of fraud. It involves both stealing someone
else's work and lying about it afterward.
But can words and ideas really be stolen?
According to U.S. law, the answer is yes. The expression of original ideas is considered
intellectual property, and is protected by copyright laws, just like original inventions.
Almost all forms of expression fall under copyright protection as long as they are
recorded in some way (such as a book or a computer file).
All of the following are considered plagiarism:
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turning in someone else's work as your own
copying words or ideas from someone else without giving credit
failing to put a quotation in quotation marks
giving incorrect information about the source of a quotation
changing words but copying the sentence structure of a source without giving
credit
copying so many words or ideas from a source that it makes up the majority of
your work,
whether you give credit or not (see our section on "fair use" rules)
Most cases of plagiarism can be avoided, however, by citing sources.
Simply acknowledging that certain material has been borrowed, and providing
your audience with the information necessary to find that source, is usually
enough to prevent plagiarism. See Valencia’s webpage dedicated to plagiarism
and citation for more information on how to cite sources properly.
Students with Disabilities
Any student who has special needs (as defined by Services for Special Students)
must tell the instructor during the first week of class so provisions can be made.
Please visit http://www.valenciacc.edu/osd if you have any questions about your
status.
Withdrawal Deadline and Policy
A student who withdraws from class before the withdrawal deadline of March
27th will receive a grade of “W.” A student is not permitted to withdraw from this
class after the withdrawal deadline; if you remain in the class after the withdrawal
deadline, you can only receive a grade of A, B, C, D, F or I. An I grade will only be
assigned under extraordinary circumstances that occur near the end of the
semester. If you receive an I, the work missed must be made up during the
following semester, at which time you will get an A,B,C,D or F. Failure to make up
the work during the following semester will result in you getting a grade of F in the
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course. Any student who withdraws from this class during a third or subsequent
attempt in this course will be assigned a grade of F.
The professor will not withdraw any student for any reason; it is the responsibility
of the student to withdraw themselves before the withdrawal deadline and to be
aware of the date of the withdrawal deadline.
Students on financial aid should consult an advisor or counselor before withdrawing
from a course; there may be financial implications to the student which he or she
must know about to make an informed decision before withdrawing from a course.
Students with some scholarships who withdraw or are withdrawn from a class must
pay the college for the cost of the class. Other scholarship sponsors may also
require repayment.
In order to academically maintain financial aid, students must meet all of the
following requirements:
 Complete 67% of all classes attempted, and
 Maintain a Valencia GPA of 2.0 or higher, and
 Maintain an overall GPA of 2.0 or higher, and
 Complete degree within the 150% timeframe
Detailed information about maintaining satisfactory academic progress (SAP) can be
found at: http://valenciacollege.edu/finaid/satisfactory_progress.cfm
For a complete policy and procedure overview on Valencia Policy 4-07 please got to:
http://valenciacollege.edu/generalcounsel/policy/default.cfm?policyID=75&volumeID_1=4
&navst=0
Disclaimer: This syllabus may be changed anytime at the discretion of the instructor.
Students will be informed of any changes through the announcement section of
Blackboard.
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CLASS CALENDAR
Please note: All dates listed indicate the day readings and
assignments are DUE.
Week
1
Topic
Myths,
Psychology, &
Archetypes
2
Mesopotamia
3
Egypt
4
Greece/Rome
5
Greece/Rome
Reading
p. 117-118 God as Archetype; The Supreme
Being
p. 118-119 Krishna-Vishnu-Brahman
p. 120-121 Yahweh
p. 262-267 The Buddha
p. 128-130 Modern Science: Immanent Mind;
The Great Mother
BB: Carl Jung, Sigmund Freud, Joseph
Campbell’s “Four Functions of Myth”
p. 18-20 Enuma Elish and the World Parent
p. 42-48 Summer Babylon
p. 89-90 Gods of the Elements
p. 137-139 Innana
p. 154-155 Enki and the Me
p. 256-261 Gilgamesh
p. 16-18 Ex Nihilo Beginnings
p. 54-55 Hathor, Blood, & Beer
p. 90-92 Egypt; The Gods of Heliopolis; The
Separation of Geb and Nut
p. 139-145 Osiris and Isis
p. 27-31 Hesiod’s Theogony
p. 95-109 The children of Kronos & Rhea; The
Children of Zeus; Rome: The Renamed
Olympians
p. 146-148 Adonis & Aphrodite; Venus and
Adonis; Attis
p. 149-151 Dionysos
p. 155-156 Hermes Steals the Cattle
p. 165-185 Gods, Goddesses, and Lesser Spirits
p. 211-220 Theseus
p. 242-245 Jason and the Golden Fleece
p. 262-268 Orpheus and Eurydice
Assignments
Discussion post #1
Purchase your
textbook THIS
WEEK! First
assignment due
1/20 at
MIDNIGHT!!!!
Date
1/20
TUES
Discussion post #2
1/24
Quiz #1
1/31
Discussion post #3
2/7
Quiz #2
2/14
SAFEASSIGN
2/21
BB:The Iliad, The Odyssey, The Aeneid,
Metamorphoses, Plato’s Cave Allegory
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The Afterlife:
p. 277-285
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Heaven, Hell,
Purgatory
7
Norse
8
9
10
Celtic
11
Hinduism
12
Anglo Saxon
13
Heroes
14
Origin Myths
15
Symbols/
Rituals
BB: Dante’s Inferno
Reading Response paper #1
p. 31-33 The World Parent of the Eddas
p. 81-82 Ragnarok
p. 109-111 The Aesir and the Vanir
p. 151-152 Odin
p. 158-160 Loki
MID TERM EXAM
SPRING BREAK
p. 111-115 The Family of the Don and the
Tuatha de Danann
p. 130-131 Danu-Don
p. 230-232 Cuchulainn
p. 237-240 Parcival and the Holy Grail
p. 24-25 The Sacred Words
p. 58-59 Manu
p. 76-79 The End of the Kali Age; The Kali Age;
The Dissolution of the World in Visnu
p. 92-94 The Triad
p. 156-158 Krishna and the Gopis
p. 249-252 Rama and Sita
BB: Excerpt From Beowulf
Reading response paper #2
p. 203-208 Heroes
p. 235-237 King Arthur
p. 214-220 Herakles (Hercules)
p. 240-242 Jonah
p. 220-230 Buddha
p. 269-271 Mary
p. 48-54 Noah
BB: Sir Gawain & The Green Knight
p. 1-6 Introduction: The Dimensions of Myth
p.15-16 The Creation
p. 20-24 Genesis
p. 27-31 Hesiod’s Theogony
p. 38-39 The Big Bang
p. 134-136 Gaia as Mother Earth
p. 38 Darwin’s Origins
p. 285-286 The Mountain, Mount Meru
p. 288-290 Jerusalem
p. 294-295 The Stone & Agdos Rock
p. 295-297 The Tree; The Cosmic Tree
Response Paper #1
Discussion post #4
2/28
EXAM
NONE
Quiz #3
3/7
3/14
3/21
Discussion post #5
3/28
SAFEASSIGN
Response Paper #2
4/4
Discussion post #6
4/11
Quiz #5
4/18
Quiz #6
4/25
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p. 290-291 Delphi
p. 291 The Temple
p. 299-302 The Garden, The Grove, and The
Cave; Muhammad’s Cave
p. 302-304 The Labyrinth; Daedalus and Icarus
BB: Mircea Eliade The Sacred & The Profane
FINAL EXAM
EXAM
The course calendar and syllabus are subject to change as needed; changes will be announced through
the Blackboard Announcement on your home page in a timely manner, when necessary. Your continued
participation in this course after the drop-add deadline period constitutes an agreement with and an
acceptance of the conditions presented in this syllabus.
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