CSP 75 Comparative Mythology

Throughout human history, certain themes and story elements recur in the myths of disparate cultures: virgin births, a theft of fire, great floods and “the cosmic hunt” to name a few. Students in this course will investigate such motifs as they appear in Greek, Mayan, Hindu, Egyptian, Native American, Christian and other mythologies as well as work toward an understanding of how such far-flung cultures and eras should give rise to common themes. Were they spread through human contact, as posited by comparative mythology’s theory of diffusion? Or did they arise independently from innate qualities of the human mind, which are common to all people? Drawing from Carl Jung’s theory of archetypes, Joseph Campbell’s Hero’s Journey—as well as its feminist alternatives—and the myths themselves, students will develop arguments as to the symbolic meaning and origin of common mythological themes. Emphases will be placed on employing the research and rhetorical strategies characteristic of strong academic writing.