Why do we need to know about myths? Just consider the many references to them. Politicians suggest a new law would open a Pandora’s Box. Apollo 11 took humans to the moon. My neighbor named her male chihuahua Zeus. A well-known psychologist says that Narcissism is increasing in the population. Is Mars the closest planet to Earth? Two boys were wrestling and one hurt his Achilles heel. These are but small samples of the presence of myth in the English language.
This course will be an exploration of the myths that have endured and why they matter. We will be introduced to myths from Egypt, Babylon, Greece, Rome, Celts, Norse, India, China, Japan, Sub-Saharan Africa, Americas, and the Pacific Islands. As a child I was captivated by Wonder Woman. Do you have a favorite mythic hero? Do you see myths still at play in children today?
The class will be discussion based on the book, Don’t Know Much About Mythology by Kenneth C. Davis, and some videos. Weekly preparation will be the time needed to read one chapter of the book before each class.