From Xenophanes in the 6th century BC to Joseph Campbell in modern America, observers of mythology have sought to understand the origins, significance, and influence of myths and mythical figures. Drawing on diverse world mythologies, this course traces main lines of myth-theory and the interpretive strategies which accompany them. Through extended units on several bodies of myths, we will examine the philosophical and cultural assumptions revealed by each and test the universalizing tendency which undergirds much recent analysis of myth. We will also look at contemporary instances of myth-making in popular culture as well as some current theories of mythopoesis.

Student performances will include quizzes, unit tests, a take-home exam, and an original paper.