MYTH & SYMBOL
K Severson Stover
Course Description
Myth & Symbol will be most enjoyed by students with an active sense of wonder who are open to
examining our two guiding hypotheses:
1) Writers use literature to explore (and perhaps explain) the human condition, and
2) Artists use symbols to convey more meaning than they otherwise could and to demonstrate the
interconnectedness of all things.
We will read myths from various cultures and study the origins of these myths. In addition, we will
explore the psychological and philosophical impact of myth on our lives today. Lastly, movies and
music will be analyzed for symbols, motifs, and archetypes.
Course Objectives
Students will demonstrate how they develop and apply thinking, reading, writing, speaking, and
listening/SLANT (Sit up, Lean in, Act interested, Nod, Track the speaker) skills throughout our study
of myth and symbolism.
Grading
 A student’s success in Myth and Symbol is dependent on accurate and thorough notetaking in
his or her myth notebook. This book serves as a resource throughout the class and on the final
exam. I provide guidelines for all notetaking, but the detail with which students take notes is
entirely self-driven. Detailed notes = greater understanding of the material = higher test scores.
 Also, students will be evaluated on daily exercises, written assignments, oral presentations,
quizzes and tests.
 Lastly, daily points are given for participation. Participation is showing up on time, with all
class materials, ready to learn. It is active engagement in the discussion or assignment. It is
having your water bottle already filled and not needing to leave class to do it. It is keeping your
phone out of sight so it isn’t a distraction. It is listening to what your classmates and I say the
first time. It is supporting your classmates in their learning. It is having a book to read in case
you finish your assignment early. It is acting like you care about what we’re doing, whether you
do or not. Do all of this, and earning credit for this class is your reward. Attendance is critical
to your success. Students who are absent, excused or unexcused, struggle. Students who are
disorganized and unfocused struggle. Students who show up with their bodies but not their
minds struggle. Are you one of them? If so, are you willing to change so you can pass this
class and graduate?
 I philosophically disagree with extra credit and therefore don’t offer it.
Absences/Make-up Work/Late Work
Refer to the student handbook for details on the make-up work policy.
If you miss class, please check my homework calendar online. I am available before or after school
and during my planning to discuss questions you might have about my homework calendar or to
share more detailed information. I am NOT able to go over missed work before or after our class
time.
It is up to each student to submit made-up work within the appropriate time frame after an absence.
As a rule, I do not accept late work. A rare exception to this may be announced when an assignment
is given; otherwise, assignments are due by the established deadline.
Substitute Teachers
Substitute teachers are to be shown every courtesy and cooperation.
Class Expectations
Students are expected to support the teaching and learning of everyone in the classroom.
Suggestions to help with this expectation include the following:
 Be prompt
 Be prepared
 Be kind
 Be attentive
 Be respectful
 Be honest
 Keep earbuds/headphones and hats in your backpack or car
 Keep your phone off and out of sight unless asked to use it for an assignment
 Don’t crowd the door before dismissal
Senior Issues
Seniors infamously create drama with their grades in required classes. Please realize that: 1) you need
to pass a literature class in order to graduate, and 2) if you earn a grade below 40% for the first quarter,
you've already failed. It is only a semester long class, and your diploma is on the line. It is a student’s
responsibility to take the work seriously. It is not my responsibility to rescue students because they
realize - too late - the importance of earning this credit. It is likely I will adore you all, but even that
won’t earn you a passing grade. That kind of work is up to you.
Academic Honesty
Academic honesty is always an expectation; plagiarism (the passing off of someone else's work as one's
own, whether it’s an essay from a website or a friend’s worksheet answers) is unethical and therefore
unacceptable.
CLASS DESIGN
Writers use literature to explore and perhaps explain the human condition.
Text: Edith Hamilton’s Mythology
 Part One, chapter I – The Gods
 The Titans and the Twelve Great Olympians
 Part One, chapter II – The Two Great Gods of Earth
 Introduction to Classical Mythology
 The Mythology of the Greeks
 The Greek and Roman Writers of Mythology
 Part One, chapter I – The Gods
 The Lesser Gods of Olympus
 The Gods of the Waters
 The Underworld
 The Lesser Gods of Earth
 Part One, chapter III – How the World and Mankind Were Created
 Part One, chapter IV – The Earliest Heroes
 Prometheus and Io
 Europa
 The Cyclops Polyphemus
 The Flower Myths – Narcissus, Hyacinth, Adonis
 Part Two, chapter I – Cupid and Psyche
 Part Two, chapter II – Eight Brief Tales of Lovers
 Pyramus and Thisbe
 Orpheus and Eurydice
 Ceyx and Alcyone
 Pygmalion and Galatea
 Others
 Part Two, chapter III – The Quest of the Golden Fleece
 Part Two, chapter IV – Four Great Adventures
 Phaethon
 Pegasus and Bellerophon
 Otus and Ephialtes
 Daedalus
 Part Three, chapter I – Perseus
 Part Three, chapter II – Theseus
 Part Three, chapter III - Hercules