RLT2190

Myth and Meaning in Ancient Worlds ( 6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL)

Leader: Constant Mews and Paul Forgasz

Offered:
Not offered in 2006.

Synopsis: In every culture, myth has provided a powerful vehicle for discussing issues of major significance. This unit considers major mythic traditions from the Middle East, ancient Egypt, Greece and Rome, and Celtic culture, examining their relationship to myth within the Hebrew Bible and early Christian writing. It explores what models they present of a spiritual journey, as well as their role in defining assumptions about ethnicity, gender and power. The unit will focus on how different ancient cultures have responded to the great questions of life, death, and the future of society, as well as on how their myths have been re-interpreted in the modern age.

Objectives: Upon successful completion of this unit students will be able to: 1. Demonstrate a familiarity with key mythological traditions from a range of ancient cultures, and be able to situate them in the social and religious context in which they evolved. 2. Demonstrate knowledge of major contemporary theoretical perspectives in the study of myth. 3. Display critical skills in the interpretation of a range of classic literary texts dealing with mythic traditions.

Assessment: Analytic exercise (500 words): 10% + Short answer test: 10% + Tutorial presentation and 500 word outline: 10% + Research essay (1500 words): 35% + Exam (1.5 hours): 35%

Contact Hours: 3 hours (2 x 1 hour lectures and 1 x 1 hour tutorial) per week

Prohibitions: RLT3190