World Mythology Course Syllabus
Madame Davis
Classroom 2605
2015-2016
Course Content: This course will introduce students to myths from some of the world’s greatest cultures. From the ancients
to more modern times, we will read, discuss, analyze, and write about myths from around the world. This course may be
taken as an elective; it may not be used to fulfill core requirements.
Prerequisites: None
Course Objectives:
1. To describe various myths and their themes from around the world as well as the culture from which they came.
2. To understand and interpret written and spoken language on a variety of topics, texts, and supplemental readings.
3. To communicate ideas and concepts orally through classroom discussions and small-group work.
4. To communicate ideas and concepts in writing using Standard English grammar in the form of well-constructed
essays.
Materials: Notebook paper, pens, pencils
Suggested Materials: Crayons, Markers, Colored pencils, Scissors, Glue, Assorted Smart Phone Apps
Requested Materials: 1 box of Kleenex, 1 package of dry erase markers, 1 package of copy paper
Class Rules:
1. Come to class on time with all classroom materials.
2. Have respect for others at all times.
3. Complete all classroom and homework assignments.
4. Be responsible for arranging with teacher for any missed assignments.
5. Participate in all classroom activities and discussions.
6. Regular attendance is expected.
Grading: Grades are based on a percent of the maximum possible cumulative points. The grade is determined by the total
number of points earned in each category that is weighted accordingly. Students will receive grades based on the following
types of assessments:
1. Classwork- 35 %
2. Writing activities and Essays- 45%
3. Projects- 10%
4. Nine-Weeks Test- 10%
Final Project: At the end of the year, each student will be responsible for taking an ancient myth and modernizing it. They
will do so under the guidance of the teacher, but the majority of the project will be the student’s or student group’s ideas and
work. As with all finals, the project will count for 20% of the student’s final grade. Since the project is completed throughout
the course of the year, no student may be exempt from the final project.
Communication: During the course of the semester, any student who is receiving an unsatisfactory grade or is having trouble
with the material may meet with me before/after school by appointment. Parents who wish to speak with me may email me at
kimdavis@tcss.net or call the school at (205) 342-2670 to set up an appointment.
Attendance: Students are expected to attend class in accordance with the attendance policy listed in the Code of Student
Conduct. If the absence is excused, all work may be made up.
Make-up Work: If a student is absent, it is the student’s responsibility to bring proper documentation for the excused
absence and to check with the classroom teacher what work was missed. Guidelines for the time allowed for excused and
unexcused absences are stated in the TCSS Parent/Student Handbook. All quizzes and tests must be made up before or after
school and the student will arrange with the teacher the dates that they will make up their missed assessment. Any work not
made up by the deadline will receive a grade of zero. Cases of extreme sickness or death in the family will be given special
consideration and the classroom teacher will work with the student.
Special Accommodations: Any student with special needs will be provided any reasonable accommodations in accordance
with Section 504 and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
World Mythology
Tentative Semester Outline
1. Greco-Roman
a. Principal Characters and Background
b. Creation myth-The Creation of the Titans and the Gods
c. Hero myths- Hercules, Perseus, Theseus
d. Movie-Clash of the Titans
2. Middle East/Babylonian
a. Principal Characters and Background
b. Creation myth- Enuma Elish
c. Hero myth- Gilgamesh
3. Egypt
a. Principal Characters and Background
b. Hero Myth- Ra
c. Hero Myth- Osiris and Isis
d. Movie- The Mummy
4. Norse/Vikings
a. Principal Characters and Background
b. Creation Myth-The Creation, Death, and Rebirth of the Universe
c. The Trickster-Theft of Idun’s Apple & Theft of Thor’s Hammer
d. Hero myth- Sigurd the Volsung
e. Movie-Thor
5. Celtic
a. Principal Characters and Background
b. Hero Myth- Cu chulainn, Finn McCool
c. Movie-The Secret of Kells, The Englishman Who Went Up a Hill and Came Down a Mountain
6. England and France
a. Principal Characters and Background
b. Hero Myth- King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table
c. Hero Myth- La Chanson de Roland
d. Movie- The Sword in the Stone and Shrek the Third
7. Asian Mythology
a. India and Hinduism
i. Principal Characters and Background
ii. Hero Myth- The Ramayana
iii. Gandhi
b. China, Japan, and Buddhism
c. Japan and the Samurai
8. Myth in Modern Culture
a. Star Wars/Joseph Campbell
b. Lord of the Rings/Tolkien and his definition of myth
c. Harry Potter
d. Percy Jackson and the Olympians
e. Monty Python and the Holy Grail
f. The Zombie Survival Guide