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Description
In this Mythology course students will read a wide variety of myths from different time periods and cultures. Students will investigate what has made mythology a valuable form of storytelling and the ways mythology remains important in our modern lives. We will look at the elements that make mythology a foundational genre of literature, with a focus on identifying common themes, motifs, and characters that are hallmarks of myths across cultures. We will also investigate how cultural beliefs and perspectives inform differences between myths. Students will consider the ways mythology reflects common questions of the human experience as well as make personal connections to how myth functions in their own lives.
Within each unit, students will explore both conventional myths from different cultures and time periods while making connections to myths of personal significance or of contemporary society. Unit one introduces students to the what and why of our course: What is “mythology”? Why do we study it? Students will read and compare different ideas about the definition of mythology and create their working definition of mythology. They will also dive into how mythology serves multiple purposes (inform, persuade, entertain) and links to universal aspects of the human experience.
In unit two, students will investigate how myths have explained the origins of the universe and people. They will read a wide variety of creation myths to investigate common elements and understand how cultural contexts lead to differences across these myths. They will focus on metaphors, symbols, and themes in mythology.
In units three and four, students will explore how mythology helps us know our place in the world. They’ll take a closer look at the key characters of mythology and archetypes and turn their attention to contemporary heroes and villains. Students will examine how someone fits in in relation to others, and explore how individuals find their place in the world and transition into roles. Students will take a closer look at rites of passage and journeys both ancient and contemporary.
In the final unit of the course, students will explore the human instinct to look ahead as we investigate how different myths handle the future of individual humans and the universe. Students will create their own myth of the future.
Students will use a variety of text and media sources to learn about various myths and their cultural and historical contexts. Weekly collaborative discussions will allow students to practice using text evidence, personal responses, and writing skills to explore each of the themes in more depth. Students will use a variety of writing modes to demonstrate understanding and enrich their study of the myths. In addition, students will engage in creative assignments and research to further explore their understanding.
This course is aligned with the Massachusetts Department of Education standards for English Language Arts and Literacy Grades 9-10. In this Standard-level course, students are expected to invest approximately 6 hours per week on their coursework.
Prerequisites
This course contains an end-of-course proctored exam. Instructions for students to identify an appropriate adult proctor are included in the course lessons.
Course Objectives
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Details
Discipline:
Language Arts
Level:
High School Standard
Program:
Gifted and Talented Middle School, High School
Grade:
7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13
When Offered:
Fall, Spring
Duration:
15 weeks
Lab Kit Purchase Required:
No
Accredited:
Certified by NCAA for initial-eligibility (VHS Learning School Code:221356), Middle States Commission on Secondary Schools, Western Association of Schools and Colleges
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