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GSC2404/3404

Myth, legend and folktale

Neil Courtney

8 points
* Second semester
* 3 hours per week (1-hour lecture, 2 hours tutorial)
* Gippsland/Distance
* Prerequisites second year: Two of GSC1401, GSC1402, GSC1403 or equivalent
* Prerequisites third year: Two second-level English subjects

Objectives Students successfully completing this subject will have demonstrated a knowledge and an understanding of the common ground, and the distinctions, between myth, legend and folktale, in literary texts. Such knowledge and understanding will be demonstrated orally and in writing, through the skills of discursive analysis and argument, in response to questions raised in the teaching of the subject.

Synopsis This subject concentrates on four major traditions: Aboriginal, Greek, Norse and Arthurian. It begins by considering what distinguishes myth, legend and folktale as special kinds of story and how they relate to each other. Students are introduced to various critical and theoretical approaches to the subject (anthropological, psychological, structural and post-structural) The main emphasis is on literary texts, but the subject will also be studied in relationship to history, religion, ritual and oral tradition. Particular attention will be given to the following general themes: creation, the quest, nature and culture, male and female, death and rebirth. An optional strand in the subject will allow students to make a comparative study of selected stories from the older texts and modern versions written for children.

Assessment second year Short assignment (1000 words): 20%
* Essay (2000 words): 30%
* Examination (3 hours): 50%
* Internal students' short assignment will be presented as a class paper

Assessment third year Essay (3000 words): 40%
* Examination (3 hours): 60%
* Internal students' short assignment will be presented as a class paper
* Students will be required to demonstrate a more extended understanding of various theoretical approaches to these issues (for example, anthropological, psychological and structuralist approaches)

Prescribed texts

(a) Core texts

Robinson R (ed.) Aboriginal myths and legends Sun Books, 1966 (extracts to be supplied)

Homer The Odyssey rev. edn, Penguin, 1991

Sturluson S The prose Edda U California P, 1964

Gantz J (tr.) The Mabinogion Penguin, 1976

Malory T King Arthur and his Knights ed. E Vinaver, OUP, 1975

(b) Versions for children (optional)

Most of these texts are cheap and easily available, but for students interested in this area there is a wide range of suitable alternative texts in children's bookshops, and in the university library.

Crossley-Holland K The Faber book of northern legends Faber, 1977

Lines K The Faber book of Greek legends Faber, 1973

Morgan S The flying emu Viking, 1992

Garner A The owl service Collins/Armada, 1973

Green R L Myths of the Norsemen Puffin, 1970

Green R L King Arthur and his knights of the round table Penguin, 1970


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Published by Monash University, Clayton, Victoria 3168
Copyright © Monash University 1996 - All Rights Reserved - Caution
Authorised by the Academic Registrar December 1996