COLLEGE OF ALAMEDA
Myth, Symbols and Folklore
HUMANITIES 13-A
Classes meet Monday and Wednesday
August 18, 2014 thru December 10, 2014 @ 3:00 p.m. - 4:15 p.m. in Room C212
Instructor: Professor August Flowers
Message Phone only (510) 748-2373
Email: aflowers@peralta.edu
Office Hours: in Room D-215 on Tuesday and Thursday 11:30 a.m. – 12 noon
Web Site: http://alameda.peralta.edu/august-flowers
INTRODUCTION
Study of myths, symbols, and folklore: Psychological basis underlying myths, symbols, and folktales which
has assured their perpetuation and which can lead to a deeper understanding of life.
Required Texts: World Mythology (An Anthology of the Great Myths and Epics) 2nd edition by Donna
Rosenberg (NTC Publishing Group) ISBN:0-8442-5767-2 COA bookstore will carry this book.
Recommended Text: Signs & Symbols by Beryl Dhanjal (out of print) ISBN: 978-0-7858-2403-9
Additional sources; text and videos documentary with Joseph Campbell The Hero With A Thousand Faces and
Mythology by Philip Wilkinson & Neil Philip, and others.
COURSE REQUIREMENTS:
1. One College level Research Paper – (4 to 5 pages - typed) with bibliography.
2. One Oral Presentation (5 to 10 minutes) Students must sign up for their day to present. Either Myth or
Folklore stories, with related artwork. Group Presentations are acceptable, no more than 2 members in a group.
3. One Mid-Term Presentation ----with required Outline (3 minutes maximum)
4. One Final Exam ---scheduled for December 10th @ 2 p.m. until 4 p.m.
5. Four Weekly Exams --- 6 Pop Quiz exams
6. Participation -----Neatly write (2) questions, comments and/or observations in class for class discussions – due at the end of
class, no early sheets accepted.
Semester Calendar:
1. * Aug. 18, 2014 Monday - Get Aquatinted. In this first class, students will review syllabus. Every effort will be made for students
to understand the syllabus and what is expected of them in this class. Once students are sure they understand the course requirement
they will agree by signing a contract to make an attempt to do their best in both academics and behavior. Students will also fill out
and share their 1 page bio sheet. Let’s review the Humanities and study the Humanities Tree.
2. * Aug. 20, 2014 Wednesday – Review The Social Function of Art. Study artworks provided by Professor Flowers, as we learn the
use of the three universal artistic terms that define art: 1) subject matter, 2) content and 3) artistic form. Visit the Professor’s website.
3. * Aug. 25, 2014 Monday Share participation sheets - Art recognized by the Humanities Questions to focus on: What are myths?
What are symbols? And What is a folklore? Powerpoint Lecture: Classic Myth – The Creation of the Titans. Write two questions,
comments and/or observations for class discussions - turn in at end of class for participation points.
4. * Aug. 27, 2014 Wednesday - Video, Zeus – war of the gods and Short fable the Star Fruit Tree. Class assignment – Start
reading the Iliad from class text (World Mythology). Write two questions, comments and/or observations on films, assigned reading or
class discussion - due at the end of each class, for participation points.
___________________________________________________________________________________________________________
5. * Sept. 1, 2014 Monday Labor Day Holiday – Classes Do Not Meet
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6. * Sept. 3, 2014 Wednesday - Film: (Wisdom of Faith) documentary covering religion and symbols - Write (2) questions,
comments and/or observations on films, assigned reading or class discussion - due at the end of class for participation points. Study
the required outline and how to create Outline format for artistic terms.
Focus On Literature:
7. * Sept. 8, 2014 Monday - Lecture: Introduction to Literature - taken from Humanities Through The Arts, text. The brief
version can be found on the instructor’s website for HUM01 classes. Write (2) questions, comments and/or observations on films,
assigned reading or class discussion - due at the end of each class, for participation points.
8. * Sept. 10, 2014 Wednesday - Lecture: Literature continues. Write (2) questions, comments and/or observations on films,
assigned reading and/or field trips, for class discussion - due at the end of each class, for participation points.
Focus on Symbols:
9. * Sept. 15, 2014 Monday - Compare classic Madonna images / Religious symbols. Write (2) questions, comments and/or
observations on films, assigned reading or class discussion - due at the end of class, for participation points.
10. * Sept. 17, 2014 Wednesday - Comparing Madonna images/ Religious symbols, continues Write (2) questions, comments
and/or observations on films, assigned reading or class discussion - due at the end of each class, for participation points.
Discussions:
11. * Sept. 22, 2014 Monday - Discussions on the Iliad and symbols within the story. Write (2) questions, comments and/or
observations for class discussion - due at end of class for participation points. Review outline format for artistic terms.
12. * Sept. 24, 2014 Wednesday - Folklore and Fables and the messages within for open discussions. Write (2) questions,
comments and/or observations for class discussion - turn in at end of class for participation points. Video: Zora Neale Hurston,
folklorist.
13. * Sept. 29, 2014 Monday - Folklore and Fables and the messages within for open discussions, continued or video. Write (2)
questions, comments and/or observations for class discussion - turn in at end of class for participation points.
14. * Oct. 1, 2014 Wednesday - Library Orientation - We will meet in the classroom and walk over to the library together. This
visit to the library is a class meeting designed to aid in your preparation for the required research assignments. Write (2) questions,
comments and/or observations for class discussion - turn in at end of class for participation points.
15. * Oct. 6, 2014 Monday - Film: TBA
of class for participation points.
Write (2) questions, comments and/or observations for class discussion - turn in at end
16.* Oct. 8, 2014 Wednesday - Mid-Term Presentation – share your story - Students in the audience will neatly write one short
paragraph on two speakers (total = 2 paragraphs) or type your response and turn in for participation points, next class.
17.* Oct. 13, 2014 Monday - Mid-Term Presentation – share your story. Students in the audience will neatly write one short
paragraph on two speakers (total = 2 paragraphs) or type your response and turn in for participation points, next class.
18.* Oct. 15, 2014 Wednesday - Mid-Term Presentation – share your story. Students in the audience will neatly write one short
paragraph on two speakers (total = 2 paragraphs) or type your response and turn in for participation points, next class.
19.* Oct. 20, 2014 Monday - Mid-Term Presentation – share your story Students in the audience will neatly write one short
paragraph on two speakers (total = 2 paragraphs) or type your response and turn in for participation points, next class.
20.* Oct. 22, 2014 Wednesday for participation points.
Write (2) questions, comments and/or observations for class discussions - turn in at end of class
* Draft - Research Papers Due
21.* Oct. 27, 2014 Monday Film: TROY, (Hollywood’s version of The Iliad) Write (2) questions, comments and/or
observations for class discussions - turn in at end of class for participation points.
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22.* Oct. 29, 2014 Wednesday Film: TROY, continued.
discussions - turn in at end of class for participation points.
Write (2) questions, comments and/or observations for class
Note: Research Papers Due
23.* Nov. 3, 2014 Monday - Discussion, “The Story vs the Film” Write (2) questions, comments and/or observations for class
discussions - turn in at end of day for participation points.
24.* Nov. 5, 2014 Wednesday - Discussion, “The Story vs the Film”
discussions - turn in at end of class for participation points.
Write (2) questions, comments and/or observations for class
25.* Nov. 10, 2014 Monday - Oral Research Presentation Students in the audience will neatly write one short paragraph on
two speakers (total = 2 paragraphs) or type your response and turn in for participation points, next class.
26.* Nov.12, 2014 Wednesday - Oral Research Presentation Students in the audience will neatly write one short paragraph on
two speakers (total = 2 paragraphs) or type your response and turn in for participation points, next class.
27.* Nov. 17, 2014 Monday - Oral Research Presentation Students in the audience will neatly write one short paragraph on two
speakers (total = 2 paragraphs) or type your response and turn in for participation points, next class.
28.* Nov. 19, 2014 Wednesday - Oral Research Presentation Students in the audience will neatly write one short paragraph on
two speakers (total = 2 paragraphs) or type your response and turn in for participation points, next class.
29.* Nov. 24, 2014 Monday - Oral Research Presentation Students in the audience will neatly write one short paragraph on
two speakers (total = 2 paragraphs) or type your response and turn in for participation points, next class.
30.* Nov. 26, 2014 Wednesday - Oral Research Presentation Students in the audience will neatly write one short paragraph on
two speakers (total = 2 paragraphs) or type your response and turn in for participation points, next class.
31.* Dec. 1, 2014 Monday - Classic Film /Video
32.* Dec. 3, 2014 Wednesday -
33.* Dec 10, 2014
Last class - pick up folders
- Final Exam scheduled____2 p.m. – 4 p.m.___________________________________
The Research Paper - The college level research paper should:
1. Have a cover page - a cover page, example is on Professor’s website,
2. Typed - must be typed on a computer (no hand written corrections),
3. College level writing – your paper must be structured in a format that demonstrates your knowledge of
college level writing (seek help with writing from Tutors, the Writing Center or Learning Resources,
4. Artistic Terms - use the artistic terms (subject matter, content, artistic form) are essential to the grade
score of this paper (as they apply to your art selection).
5. Bibliography - include a bibliography of 5 research sources (required citation MLA style, examples and
tutorials are on the Professor’s website), only 2 internet sources acceptable.
The research term paper is a gathering of documented information on your selected mythical stories with an art
work related to the stories; you will analyze, compare, define symbols, and message(s)/content. Include the
various symbols related to your stories and the developing roles featured by main characters. For example, are
female characters more often responsible for negative or positive changes with the stories? What about the
male character; is there most often a lust power? Select an art work (either visual or musical) to give life to
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your story. However, students must not select an artist or art work covered during class lectures. Provide a
copy of your chosen artwork with your research paper. Keep in mind that your (stories and art work(s) are your
choice and you should know all there is to know about them. Do not say, “I don’t know.” or “I think…” give
facts and data of support. You should know that personal views have no place in the body of research.
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The term/ research paper must be typed and structured in a format that demonstrates your knowledge of
college level writing. If writing is a problem, you should consider taking English 201 and/or English
1A. Assistance with writing assignments is offered thru the Writing Center and the Learning Resource
Lab on the 2nd floor of the COA Library.
The (research) term paper requires that you use artistic terms that apply to the art or artist you have
chosen in order to demonstrate your knowledge of them. This is a great chance to show what you have
learned of the required artistic terms; subject matter, artistic form, and content.
Written assignments will lose points for; lack of the required artistic terms, editing, length, and
plagiarizing. Please make sure all corrections to your written assignments are completed before turning
them in for scoring. Required length is not less than 4 pages or more than 5 pages.
Five (5) Bibliography sources are required no more than two (2) internet sources.
Due date 10/29/2014
GRADING IS BASED ON THE POINTS SYSTEM:
Grade Points:
Oral Presentation
up to 100 points
Research Paper
up to 100 points
Final Exam
up to 100 points
Mid-term Presentation
up to 80 points
Class Participation
up to 70 points
6 Unannounced Exams
up to 25 points each
Total
up to
up to
up to
up to
up to
up to
up to
100 points
100 points
100 points
80 points
70 points
150 points
600 points
POINT SPREAD FOR GRADES:
500 – plus = A
400 – 499 = B
310 – 399 = C
215 – 309 = D
214 –or less = F
Rubrics for Scoring Research Assignments:
The Research Paper: must meet the required length fully: loss of points 5pts – 50pts
-The cover sheet – point loss 1pts – 5pts set up the cover according to guidelines - do not
leave out information.
The opening or the thesis statement is important and it tells what your paper will cover - do
not put your personal views here; such as, why you have selected this topic or your personal
views about the artist or your artwork selection.
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- No font size over 12 picas (letters) loss of points (lop) 5- 15pts.
- No large spaces between the lines and or paragraphs: loss of points 5 – 10pts
- No empty spaces before or after your topic. 5 – 20pts.
- Need editing (LOP) 5pts – 30pts
- (MLA format required) could lose 25 pts
- Context – focus on researched data – no personal views in the body of research – if you
must provide your views place them in your conclusion and call it the conclusion or
summation. 10 pts – 40 pts.
NOTE:
DO NOT SELECT TOPICS FROM THE CLASS LECTURES.
The oral presentation:
Open by introducing yourself. Then tell your audience what the topic is which you will
discuss. Provide artwork to support your selected stories. If it is a visual artwork show it
and allow your audience time to participate with what they see. The same hold true for
other artworks genres.
- make eye contact with your audience and try to relax as you enjoy sharing your findings
with your classmates. Do not just read to your audience; that would likely lose their
attention.
-be sure that the Instructor sees your artwork first, unless it’s on a screen where everyone is
able to see it at the same time.
- do not say, “I don’t know” or that you could not find information on any portion of your
topic. Leave it out if you do not know and if you did not find any info on it. Organization
and structure are key elements to a good research paper and presentation.
Writing Assignment(s):
This research paper will focus on three stories from the text; explain three categories of a story.
Complete a four to five page paper in which you choose an object (music, visual, and symbols) that is a
contemporary exemplar of your mythology selections. In your paper, use at least two theorists (as described in
text or lecture), whose theories explain or interprets this exemplar, to show how this selection is myth. The
paper will point out the various Symbols throughout the stories. There should be an actual artwork selection
directly related to your stories that must accompany your research paper. This artwork will be used in your oral
presentation; it will offer greater insight into the story and provide an opportunity to use the three artistic terms:
subject matter, content, and artistic form.
1) The research/term paper must be structured in MLA format and demonstrates your knowledge of
college level writing.
2) You are to use the three artistic terms discussed in class; 1) subject matter, 2) content, and 3)
artistic form, to demonstrate your knowledge of them. The required length of your paper is not
less than 4 or more than 5 typed pages; your bibliography must have five academic research
sources, this page is not counted in the required page length nor is the cover sheet and artwork
copies.
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3) The Mid-Term Outline – will help you discuss your short childhood story. The required outline format
is provided for you at the end of this syllabus. As you become familiar with the artistic terms you will see how
easy it is to make your art fit. If you have problems ask question in class discussions.
Speaking in Front of the Class:
1) Bio Share; the one page get acquainted sheet earns points when shared.
2) The mid-term presentation is a short talk with outline, about a childhood story. Tell us about your select
of either a myth or folklore, from which you may have gained some insight into life. This will be presented
to the class along with a visual or musical artwork selection related to your story. There is a time limit of 5
minutes to share your story. See the guidelines sheet for sharing your story.
3) The research oral presentation will support your research/term paper. In this timed talk about your research
findings you must use the artistic terms to demonstrate your knowledge of them and the symbols related to your
story. The three terms are; artistic form, subject matter, and content. Orals take place over a three week period
and you must sign up with your artistic selection in order to avoid repeats. Students are not to present on stories
nor art works presented by the instructor, appearing in films shown in class, nor art work presented by other
students. Students will start with selections from the text but research for additional information about their
stories; point out areas where gender plays a role in character development; what do critics say about your
selections and what are some of the changes to the stories by other writers; all this while taking note of the
various symbols and their place in today’s society.
Class Participation: written comments or questions regarding class sessions. Students will write two short
paragraphs on what took place in class – points are calculated at the end of the term.
Attendance:
Attendance is taken at each class, try to be on time. An absence should be cleared in advance (if possible) in
order for the absence to not affect your place in the class. Leave an email or message on my voice mail
explaining your absence in any case. Speak with me directly regarding personal emergencies or work
obligations that result in keeping you away from class. Any unexcused absence will cost you points, and
students who miss more than 4 classes can be dropped.
Student Conduct:
The College has rules which state that; dishonesty, disruption and/or obstruction of teaching as well as physical
and/or verbal abuse of college personnel are forbidden. Disrespectful behavior will not be tolerated. Students
can and will be asked to leave or be escorted out by the campus police. Disciplinary action will be filed against
the student for misconduct. Students should be aware of the college code of conduct in the catalogue.
Classroom Conduct:
Turn all cell phones off or place them in the vibrating mode. Students are not to disrupt the class by leaving
class to make or answer calls; do this on your break or after class. If you must smoke, please do not smoke
outside the classroom (smoke travels), instead go down stairs to the assigned area (student parking lot).
Things to keep in mind:
*
Don't plagiarize your written assignments. No points are awarded for papers not in your own words. The college
has serious rules against stealing others work.
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*
*
Don't socialize in class. Save it for before or after class.
Do come to class prepared to take notes and discuss the class assignments.
Do consider doing some extra credit assignments if you do not receive full points on any assignment or if you just
want to improve your chances for higher points.
*
Do come to me with problems concerning the class, as soon as they appear. You may not need to drop this class.
*
Do visit the Writing Center and or the Learning Resource Center on the 2nd floor of the Library regularly for
assistance with all writing assignments. Take a few English classes.
*
Do not try to take this class without the book it is required. Lectures come mainly from the text.
*
Student Learning Outcome:
Students completing this course will:
1) Gain increased awareness of the Humanities as a holistic range of disciplines using various approaches
to study forms of aesthetics, performance, and cultural traditions from around the world.
2) Describe and define key theoretical approaches to mythology.
3) Improve analytical and interpretive analyses of artistic works.
4) Develop an awareness of the fundamental mythological content in art.
5) Identify persistent signs, symbols, and representations;
*Note: This syllabus may require some adjustments during the term. Keep your copy with you when you come
to class; in order to keep it updated.
ARTISTIC TERMS FOR LITERATURE
Note: The basic medium of literature is spoken language (every artist use some source to create art); regardless
of the language spoken, people speak in sentences and phrases and often use one word in place of a complete
sentence and use various word choices to make their point.
The Introduction to your topic is a short paragraph, but all paragraphs must be at least three lines.
I.
Subject Matter
A. What is the genre of the story or poem? Is it a narrative, if so what type of narrative is it; an
episodic, organic, or quest?
B. What about the narrator who tells the story, controlling the order of events.
C. What is the narrator’s focus?
II.
Content
A. Subject matter detached by means of artistic form to clarify and make more meaningful and reveal
the message.
B. What is the mood of the story or poem; comedy, sad, etc.
C. What is the overall message?
III.
Artist Form
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A. The organization of the medium (diction / word choices) that clarifies or reveals the subject
matter.
B. The use of metaphor, symbol, irony
C. The use of abstract or concreter images
Conclusion
Usually a brief paragraph would follow to summarize your topic. If this is for a research paper – there is no
need to number this because here the word conclusion implies an end to the research. As a result, personal
views are acceptable here.
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