CCM - Module Overview

Mythology_OverviewBanner.pngComparative and Contemporary Mythology

word clouds of general terms from the mythology course 

Each culture has its mythology in some form or fashion. Throughout history, these cultures have placed varying levels of importance on these myths, legends, and tales. Contemporary mythology often identifies similarities of mythology in these cultures. Ever wonder what movies like Harry Potter, Star Wars, or The Lion King have to do with mythology? Contemporary mythology can present time honored tales, archetypes, and ideas in a way that is familiar to modern society. Read on to learn more.

Essential Questions:

  • How can the mythologies of various cultures be seen today?
  • What are archetypes that are commonly seen in film?
  • How does contemporary mythology connect modern entertainment to mythology?

Key Terms:

Myth: nothing more than a set of stories that suggest a deeper meaning and that help a specific culture to express and explain its views, to examine its own behavior, and to understand the phenomena around it.

Legend: narratives about persons, places, or events that are based on history or folk tales

Archetype: an original pattern or model

Collective unconscious: part of the psyche present in all individuals; not based on personal experience

Monomyth: Joseph Campbell's idea that the hero's journey is a basic pattern seen in stories from all parts of the world

Convergence: the independent development of alike characters; moving toward uniformity

Important Reminder! In the last module, you submitted a topic (and received feedback and approval) for your research paper.  You should be actively working on the rough draft of your paper. Consult your calendar for the rough draft deadline.

 

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