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ENGL 123 A
Mythology and Folklore
June Session 14-55
June 1-July 25, 2015
Course Description
Study of mythologies of various cultures, especially ancient Greek and Roman, but including Norse,
Indian, Japanese, Chinese, Native American, African, and Polynesian.
Prerequisite: None
Proctored Exams: None
Textbooks
Classical Mythology, 10th ed., Morford/Lenardon, Oxford UP, ISBN 978-0-19-999732-9
World Mythology, 6th ed., Roy Willis, Holt & Co., ISBN: 978-0-19-530752-8
The Ways of My Grandmothers, Beverly Hungry Wolf, Quill, ISBN: 978-0-688-00471-2
Frankenstein, Mary Shelley, Dover Thrift Ed., ISBN: 978-0-486-28211-4
Textbooks for the course may be ordered from MBS Direct. You can order
 online at http://direct.mbsbooks.com/columbia.htm (be sure to select Online Education
rather than your home campus before selecting your class)
 by phone at 800-325-3252
For additional information about the bookstore, visit http://www.mbsbooks.com.
Course Overview
This course offers a survey of various world mythologies, with an emphasis on the myths of classical
Greece. These stories become crucial for the further study of much Western literature. Beyond this,
however, we will also introduce the myths of a wide range of other cultures and will investigate the
situation of myth in our mass media culture.
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Technology Requirements
Participation in this course will require the basic technology for all online classes at Columbia
College:
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A computer with reliable Internet access,
a web browser,
Acrobat Reader,
Microsoft Office or another word processor such as Open Office.
You can find more details about standard technical requirements for our courses on our site.
Course Objectives
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To undertake an intensive course of readings, discussions and written exercises about
mythology.
To evaluate archetypal mythological stories and figures as they appear in a variety of the world’s
cultures.
To explain a varying role of myths in society.
To demonstrate the significant parallels in the structure of myths of diverse cultures
Measurable Learning Outcomes
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Describe how myths express and examine the archetypal patterns and symbolic events common
to the myths of all cultures.
Understand myths as the stories that express and examine basic ethical questions of humanity,
the relationship of individuals to society, and of human society to the cosmos.
Explain the relationship of these myths to society from a variety of critical perspectives (e.g.
anthropological, psychological, and literary).
Indentify the defining characteristics of common mythological figures: the hero, trickster,
fertility god, earth mother.
Grading
Grading Scale
Grade Weights
GRADE
POINTS
PERCENT
ASSIGNMENT
POINTS
PERCENT
A
360-400
90-100
Discussion
100
25%
B
320-359
80-89
Essays
200
50%
C
280-319
70-79
Final Exam
100
25%
D
240-279
60-69
Total
400
100%
F
0-239
0-59
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Schedule of Due Dates
WEEK
ASSIGNMENT
1
Discussion 1
2
Discussion 2
3
Essay 1
Discussion 3
4
Discussion 4
5
Essay 2
Discussion 5
6
Discussion 6
7
Discussion 7
8
Discussion 8
POINTS
25
100
25
100
25
25
Final Exam
100
TOTAL
400
DUE DATE
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Sunday
Saturday
Saturday
Assignment Overview
Discussion
Each week there will be two to four discussion topics, each with a number of questions. While
you are expected to post in each topic, I do not expect everyone to answer all of the individual
questions. These are intended to help guide the class to what is most important in the readings
and to generate extensive discussion. DO NOT put all your answers in one very lengthy
response, as it makes your ideas harder to read online, and makes it difficult for others to
respond to specific points. Post each response separately.
I really do consider these discussions not just individual homework. As in a classroom,
dialogue with your classmates is an important way of learning. Listening to (reading) what
others have to say is equally important. Ideally, this will go on all week, not just at the last
minute on Sundays, which is like everyone waiting until the last minute of class and trying to
shout everyone else down. This is not effective.
Evaluation of the discussions will be based on both the quantity and the quality of your posts.
First, everyone is expected to post a minimum of two times in each topic. The baseline grade
for completing the 2 postings per topic will be 18/25. If you don’t make two postings in any
topic during the week, your grade will be lower than the baseline, no matter how much you post
in other topics. This isn’t a high level of participation—it is the equivalent of sitting in class
without your head hitting the desk. Similarly, reading fewer than 50% of the posts does not
demonstrate engagement with the course. You can check your own progress easily using the
“View My Progress” button, on the left when you first enter the course.
The frequency of response is not the only important factor. The quality and effectiveness of
responses matters as well. Higher scores will come from responses that are helpful to other
students, stimulate discussion, show insight or add new, useful information. Most
students do quite well at these. Remember to cite your source(s) for material outside the
textbook readings. Careful documentation is paramount to being an ethical scholar;
credit is given where credit is due, and others can pursue information provided by
citations.
Participation in the discussions will be graded in two week increments, but you are expected to
post in each topic, each week.
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Essays
This course requires two essays, each 3-4 pages long—that is, approximately 750-1000 words,
formatting according to the MLA style. The first essay will give an overview of another
culture’s mythology; the second will look at “the problem of parallel myths.” Sources—a
minimum of three--must be documented, using only MLA style of documentation. I will
post more details of the assignments in the announcements, about a week before each paper is
due. Essays will be returned in the dropbox; you should open these files and read the comments
scattered through the paper.
Final Exam
The Final Exam will be an essay test covering the course material. We will brainstorm questions
early in Week 7. The exam will be due on the last day of the course. You do not need a
proctor.
Course Schedule
Week 1
Readings
Classical Mythology, Chapters 3-4 (skim Chapters 1-2)
World Mythology, Introduction and “Great Themes”
Discussion Assignments
Discussion Topic 1: Myth
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
What is a myth? What do myths do? How is myth different from religion?
Respond to the section “Myth and Truth” in Chapter 1.
What are archetypes? Give an example.
What is an etiological myth?
Find out more about Joseph Campbell.
Find out more about Sappho.
What works against traditional myth in 20th/21st Century America?
Discussion Topic 2: Creation and Flood
8. Describe the generations of gods in the Greek stories.
9. Who is Phaeton? How might the Greeks have used this story?
10. Describe Ovid’s several Ages of Man.
11. What does Prometheus do? Is he a hero or a villain?
12. Respond to the Pandora story. How does it compare to the Christian story of Eve?
13. Discuss the Greek flood story.
14. Which of the Olympian gods are the most familiar? When have you heard of them
before?
15. Briefly, tell the tale of Gilgamesh.
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Week 2
Readings
Classical Mythology, Chapters 5, 7, 8, 17 and 19
Discussion Assignments
Discussion Topic 1: The Gods
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Describe the nature of Zeus.
What are the Muses?
Where do our sympathies lie in the story of Galatea? Is it comic, tragic?
Describe the nature of Poseidon.
What are key characteristics of Proteus?
What does Athena represent? What is suggested by the story of her birth?
What does the Parthenon commemorate? Describe several of its key features.
What is the message of the story of Arachne?
Discussion Topic 2: Oedipus and his Family
9. Respond to the stories of Europa and her brother Cadmus.
10. What is the role of the oracle in Oedipus' life?
11. Find out more about the origins and tales of the sphinx.
12. How should we react to the story of Oedipus?
13. How did Freud use the Oedipus story?
14. What is the main "message" of Antigone's story?
15. In what tales do we meet Tiresias? What makes his viewpoint so unique?
Discussion Topic 3: The Trojan War
16. What was special about Helen, even from her birth?
17. Look back at "The Judgment of Paris"--what did Paris do wrong?
18. Describe Achilles’ family and early life.
19. Who was Patroclus?
20. What kind of hero is Achilles?
21. What is Hector’s role in the Trojan War?
22. What incidents stand out in The Iliad?
23. Find out more about the character Troilus, especially his appearance in later literature.
24. Comment on the participation of the gods in the Trojan War.
25. If you have seen the movie Troy, compare the incidents in that movie to Homer’s version
of this story.
Week 3
Readings
Classical Mythology, Chapters 9-11, 20
World Mythology, Celtic Mythology
Discussion Assignments
Discussion Topic 1: Aphrodite
1. Examine the "double tradition" of Aphrodite's birth. How is this ambiguity fitting for the
goddess of love?
2. Recall the Pygmalion story. What more modern stories seem to echo this tale? How
might a feminist interpret it?
3. Who was Adonis? What does he come to stand for?
4. Respond to the rituals for Cybele and Attis.
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5. Respond to Plato's (Aristophanes') account of the origins of human gender.
6. Mention keys events in the Cupid and Psyche story? Who is the "audience" for this tale?
Who would it "speak" to?
Discussion Topic 2: Artemis and Apollo
7. What is the warning in the tale of Niobe?
8. What does the story of Actaeon show us about Artemis?
9. What happens to Callisto?
10. Characterize Apollo--what is he like? What does he stand for?
11. Focus on the story of Daphne, Hyacinthus or Marsyas. What do we learn about Apollo?
12. Comment on the oracles and their association with Apollo.
13. Find out more about the actual place, Delphi.
14. What happens between Apollo and Cassandra?
Discussion Topic 3: The Odyssey
15. What happened to Helen after the war?
16. How did the gods influence Odysseus' journey?
17. What does the Cyclops episode reveal about Odysseus' character?
18. Describe Odysseus’ encounter with Circe.
19. What does Penelope stand for?
Discussion Topic 4: Celtic Mythology
20. Why is it difficult to give a clear, specific picture of Celtic myth?
21. Discuss one of the great Celtic heroes or gods.
22. Describe the Druids.
23. Find out more about contemporary neo-pagans or wiccans.
24. What are the key elements of the Arthur story? What gives the story it continued
popularity?
25. Discuss in some detail a movie version of an Arthur story you have seen.
Essay 1: Due midnight on Sunday
In Essay 1 you will discuss and evaluate the mythology of another culture. The essay should
be 3-4 “pages” long—that is, approximately 750-1000 words. You will need to use outside
sources and document them appropriately. Do not begin this essay without reading the
actual assignment, which will be posted in the announcements about a week before the
essay is due.
Week 4
Readings
Classical Mythology, Chapters 12-14, 18, 21, 26 (focus on Aeneas)
World Mythology, Rome
Discussion Assignment
Discussion Topic 1: Hermes and Dionysus
1. Recount Hermes’ early life.
2. Explain Hermes' character. (There is a useful discussion of "trickster" figures on p. 227 of
World Mythology).
3. Respond to the story of Hermaphroditus.
4. Discuss the circumstances of Dionysus’ birth.
5. Describe Dionysus’ encounter with the pirates.
6. What does Euripides' The Bacchae reveal about the nature of Dionysus?
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7. Describe the Maenads (followers of Dionysus).
8. Is Pentheus a comic or a tragic figure in this play?
9. Discuss the Zagreus version of the Dionysus myth. How strong are the Christian parallels
here?
10. Describe Pan.
11. What should we learn from the Echo and Narcissus story?
Discussion Topic 2: Demeter/House of Atreus
12. Why is the story of Demeter and Persephone such a central, important myth?
13. Comment on the Eleusinian Mysteries.
14. How does cannibalism/family murder affect the House of Atreus (which starts with
Tantalus)?
15. Discuss the family tension in Agamemnon's immediate family (wife and children).
16. What does Electra come to stand for?
17. What happens to Orestes after he kills his mother?
Discussion Topic 3: Perseus/Roman Mythology
18. Describe Perseus’ birth and family.
19. Discuss key events in Perseus’ quest.
20. If you have seen Clash of the Titans, evaluate how that movie tells Perseus’ tale.
21. Who was Aeneas? How does he embody Roman virtues?
22. Comment on Aeneas’ relationship with Dido.
23. Who were Romulus and Remus?
24. Why is Roman mythology often labeled "eclectic"?
Week 5
Readings
Classical Mythology, 15-16, 22-23
World Mythology, Egypt
Ways of My Grandmothers, pp. 15-48
Discussion Assignments
Discussion Topic 1: Hades
1. Discuss Odysseus’ (or Aeneas’) journey and encounters in the underworld.
2. Find out more about one or two of the key rivers in Hades.
3. Explain the realm of Hades. How is this different from the Christian afterlife?
4. Find out more about Dante’s vision of the afterlife, from his Inferno.
5. What happens to the soul in Plato's myth of Er?
6. What are the key elements in Orpheus' story?
7. Why does Orpheus look back?
8. Discuss several of the mystery religions.
Discussion Topic 2: Heracles and Theseus
9. Describe a couple of Hercules’ specific adventures or Labors.
10. What actions or deeds make Heracles seem less than heroic to us?
11. How does Hercules die?
12. If you have seen the recent TV version (Kevin Sarbo) or the Disney cartoon, how does
either of these versions make Hercules more appealing to us? Why do the writers make
these changes?
13. Discuss the tale of Philomela.
14. Who was Daedalus? What are some of his achievements?
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15. What happens with Icarus?
16. Describe Theseus’ origins and early labors.
17. Who were the Amazons? (For fun, you might also find out how the Amazon River got its
name).
18. Describe the Egyptian creation story.
Discussion Topic 3: Egyptian Myth/Ways of My Grandmothers
19. What Greek or Christian stories does "Ra and the punishment of humankind" resemble
(p.41)?
20. Recount the tale of Isis and Osiris. Why is this a central story?
21. Which other Egyptian god or goddess do you find most interesting?
22. Describe the Egyptian afterlife.
23. In Ways of My Grandmothers, what is the author hoping to accomplish? What does she
mean by the term "grandmothers"?
24. Give your first reaction to the culture and people Hungry Wolf describes.
25. What ceremonies and religious items are we introduced to you in this first section?
Essay 2: Due midnight Sunday
In Essay 2, you are asked to compare specific themes or myths from different cultures. The
essay should be 3-4 “pages” long—that is, approximately 750-1000 words. You will need to
use outside sources and document them appropriately. Do not begin this essay without
reading the actual assignment, which will be posted in the announcements about a
week before the essay is due.
Week 6
Readings
Classical Mythology, Chapter 24 (skim Chapters 27-28)
Ways of My Grandmothers, pp. 49-135
World Mythology, Arctic
Frankenstein, Chapters I-X
Discussion Assignments
Discussion Topic 1: Jason and Medea
1. Explain the background tale of the Golden Fleece (with Phrixus and Helle).
2. Who were the Argonauts?
3. What are the Harpies? How does Jason deal with them?
4. Who is Medea? How did she help Jason?
5. What happens with Jason and Medea in later years?
6. How do you feel about Medea’s revenge?
7. Comment on two specific uses of Greek myth (from Chapters 27-28).
Discussion Topic 2: Ways of My Grandmothers/Arctic Peoples
8. Respond to Mary One Spot's commentary on traditional and modern life (pp. 55-59).
9. Respond to the tales of unusual women (pp. 59-71)--who would keep these tales alive?
10. Discuss the sense of the sacred we get from Paula Weasel Head.
11. What is a medicine bundle?
12. Discuss the family customs and relationships we see in this section.
13. Respond to the author's comments on the role of women (pp. 109-10).
14. Discuss some of the complex process and lore of tipis.
15. Describe the mythology of the Arctic peoples.
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16. Tell the story of Sedna.
Discussion Topic 3: Frankenstein
17. What purpose does the framework and the character of Robert Walton serve?
18. Why is the book subtitled "the Modern Prometheus"?
19. Victor's early studies involved Cornelius Agrippa, Paracelsus and Albertus Magnus.
Browse the web or library and figure out who these were.
20. What clear moral failings has Victor already shown in these first chapters?
21. Consider one of the following--Superman, John F. Kennedy, or Princess Diana. In what
sense are they becoming contemporary "myths"?
Course Evaluations: Please evaluate the course. You will be able to submit your course evaluation
between Sunday of Week 5 and Thursday of Week 7. A link will be sent to your CougarMail that will
allow you to access the evaluation.
Week 7
Readings
Ways of My Grandmothers, pp. 136-166; browse the rest of the book
World Mythology, North America
Frankenstein, Chapter XI - end
Discussion Assignments
Discussion Topic 1: Preparation for the Final Exam
Please list your ideas for questions for the final exam in the discussion board. Since this is not a
proctored exam, we need to generate essay questions that will test how well you have put
together ideas and concepts.
Discussion Topic 2: Native American Mythology
1. Respond to two of the myths in this section. What does the story accomplish? What seems
interesting or strange? What cultural values seem to come through?
2. Why did the author need to tell us so much about the grandmothers and their culture before
we got to this section on myths?
3. Respond to the story of Coyote (p. 229).
4. How are animals often seen in Native American myths?
5. Find out more about spider or raven as trickster figures.
Discussion Topic 3: Frankenstein and his pals
6. Respond to the creature's own tale (beginning in Chapter XI).
7. Recall the Biblical story of Job. Should we see any of this in the creature's complaint?
8. In what sense is Frankenstein one of the great myths of the modern age?
9. Discuss one or more other stories of our creations such as artificial humans, computers, etc.
Week 8
Readings
Review course readings.
Discussion Assignments
1. After viewing the Gallery of contemporary images, select one or two sets and make a case for
these as threads of mythology for our times.
2. After viewing the Gallery of contemporary images, select one or two sets and make a
case that these stories are not likely to lead to any long-term mythology for our culture.
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View the film clip of Bill Moyer's interview with Joseph Campbell. What key ideas stand out?
How do we make the leap from Campbell to Star Wars?
What threads of mythology are active in your own life?
Final Exam
I will post the exam early in the week. It will be due by midnight Saturday, the last day of class.
Please place it in the appropriate dropbox.
Course Policies
Student Conduct
All Columbia College students, whether enrolled in a land-based or online course, are responsible for
behaving in a manner consistent with Columbia College's Student Conduct Code and Acceptable Use
Policy. Students violating these policies will be referred to the office of Student Affairs and/or the
office of Academic Affairs for possible disciplinary action. The Student Code of Conduct and the
Computer Use Policy for students can be found in the Columbia College Student Handbook. The
Handbook is available online; you can also obtain a copy by calling the Student Affairs office (Campus
Life) at 573-875-7400. The teacher maintains the right to manage a positive learning environment,
and all students must adhere to the conventions of online etiquette.
Plagiarism
Your grade will be based in large part on the originality of your ideas and your written presentation
of these ideas. Presenting the words, ideas, or expression of another in any form as your own is
plagiarism. Students who fail to properly give credit for information contained in their written work
(papers, journals, exams, etc.) are violating the intellectual property rights of the original author. For
proper citation of the original authors, you should reference the appropriate publication manual for
your degree program or course. Violations are taken seriously in higher education and may result in
a failing grade on the assignment, a grade of "F" for the course, or dismissal from the College.
Collaboration conducted between students without prior permission from the instructor is
considered plagiarism and will be treated as such. Spouses and roommates taking the same course
should be particularly careful.
Please note that essays done for a previous or concurrent course will not be accepted for
assignments in this course.
All required papers may be submitted for textual similarity review to Turnitin.com for the detection
of plagiarism. All submitted papers may be included in the Turnitin.com reference database for the
purpose of detecting plagiarism. This service is subject to the Terms and Conditions of Use posted on
the Turnitin.com site.
Non-Discrimination
There will be no discrimination on the basis of sex, race, color, national origin, sexual orientation,
religion, ideology, political affiliation, veteran status, age, physical handicap, or marital status.
Disability Services
Students with documented disabilities who may need academic services for this course are required
to register with the Coordinator for Disability Services at (573) 875-7626. Until the student has been
cleared through the disability services office, accommodations do not have to be granted. If you are a
student who has a documented disability, it is important for you to read the entire syllabus before
enrolling in the course. The structure or the content of the course may make an accommodation not
feasible.
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Online Participation
You are expected to read the assigned texts and participate in the discussions and other course
activities each week. Assignments should be posted by the due dates stated on the grading schedule
in your syllabus. If an emergency arises that prevents you from participating in class, please let your
instructor know as soon as possible.
Attendance Policy
Attendance for a week will be counted as having submitted a course assignment for which points
have been earned during that week of the session or if the proctoring information has been
submitted or the plagiarism quiz taken if there is no other assignment due that week. A class week is
defined as the period of time between Monday and Sunday (except for Week 8, when the week and
the course will end on Saturday at midnight). The course and system deadlines are all based on the
Central Time Zone.
Cougar E-mail
All students are provided a CougarMail account when they enroll in classes at Columbia College. You
are responsible for monitoring e-mail from that account for important messages from the College and
from your instructor. You may forward your Cougar e-mail account to another account; however, the
College cannot be held responsible for breaches in security or service interruptions with other e-mail
providers.
Students should use e-mail for private messages to the instructor and other students. The class
discussions are for public messages so the class members can each see what others have to say about
any given topic and respond.
Late Assignment Policy
An online class requires regular participation and a commitment to your instructor and your
classmates to regularly engage in the reading, discussion and writing assignments. Although most of
the online communication for this course is asynchronous, you must be able to commit to the
schedule of work for the class for the next eight weeks. You must keep up with the schedule of
reading and writing to successfully complete the class.
Late papers will be penalized 5% / day and may be refused entirely if more than one week overdue.
Course Evaluation
You will have the opportunity to evaluate the course near the end of the session. Course evaluations
will open on Sunday of Week 5 and will remain open until Thursday of Week 7. A link will be sent to
your CougarMail that will allow you to access the evaluation. Be assured that the evaluations are
anonymous and that your instructor will not be able to see them until after final grades are
submitted.
Additional Resources
Orientation for New Students
This course is offered online, using course management software provided by Desire2Learn and
Columbia College. The Student Manual provides details about taking an online course at Columbia
College. You may also want to visit the course demonstration to view a sample course before this one
opens.
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Technical Support
If you have problems accessing the course or posting your assignments, contact your instructor, the
Columbia College Helpdesk, or the D2L Helpdesk for assistance. Contact information is also available
within the online course environment.
CCHelpDesk@ccis.edu
helpdesk@desire2learn.com
800-231-2391 ex. 4357
877-325-7778
Online Tutoring
Smarthinking is a free online tutoring service available to all Columbia College students.
Smarthinking provides real-time online tutoring and homework help for Math, English, and Writing.
The Writing Center can be used for writing assistance in any course.
Smarthinking also provides access to live tutorials in writing and math, as well as a full range of study
resources, including writing manuals, sample problems, and study skills manuals. You can access the
service from wherever you have a connection to the Internet. I encourage you to take advantage of
this free service provided by the college.
Access Smarthinking through CougarTrack under Students->Academics->Academic Resources.