Revised 08/2024

ENG 257 - Mythological Literature (3 CR.)

Course Description

Studies a variety of mythological works of literature, along with an examination of the allegorical and metaphorical themes within each work, and an understanding of figurative language, symbology and mythical allusions. Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

This course provides the student with specific knowledge about a variety of mythological works of literature, along with an examination of the allegorical and metaphorical themes within each work, and an understanding of figurative language, symbology and mythical allusions.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Prerequisite: ENG 112, or department approval.

Course Objectives

  • Gain knowledge of some of the world's mythological literatures
    • Examine, understand and contrast the literary aspects of myth narratives
    • Recognize and analyze how these literatures convey the human experience
  • Gain general knowledge and historical consciousness
    • Recognize, identify and explain significance of principle mythic figures and events emphasized in this course
    • Narrate selected myths
  • Demonstrate critical thinking skills 
    • Recognize and explain how selected myths express the cosmological, sociological, psychological, or spiritual views of a culture
    • Compare and contrast selected aspects of the world views of different cultures expressed by their mythologies
  • Develop college level communication skills
    • Write essays and essay exams at the 200-level compositional level
    • Participate in class discussions, and/or give oral presentations to demonstrate their mastery of course content
  • Enhance their social and educational values
    • Identify and explain the cultural differences and influences on local mythologies
  • Develop life-long skills 
    • Apply a core of knowledge about mythic characters with respect to the short-hand reference they hold within cultures
  • Develop real-world skills 
    • Examine the consequential nature of myths, as they apply to contemporary times
    • Apply the lessons of myths to real life 

Major Topics to Be Included

  • Classical Greek and Roman mythology
  • Selected myths will cover approximately half of the canon of native people's mythologies from the following world regions: Asian, Asian-Pacific, African, South American, North American, Native American, European