Module THEO2451: Myth and Meaning

Department: Theology and Religion

THEO2451: Myth and Meaning

Prerequisites

• None

Corequisites

• None

Excluded Combination of Modules

• None

Aims

• To introduce students to the major historical and contemporary methods for the analysis of mythology.
• To facilitate the development of a critical understanding of the term myth and its application.
• To familiarise students with both contemporary and classical debates in the study of mythology.
• To guide students through a process of enskilment (becoming skilled) in the practice of the analysis of mythology.

Content

• This module introduces the academic exploration of mythology as an integral part of the wider exploration of religion. It develops the basic skills necessary to both carry out an analysis of mythology and to assess the value of methods for the analysis of mythology. The module also develops critical reflection on the value of the category ‘myth’ and the nature of its content as a way of deconstructing ethnocentric models of cultural evolution. A key element of the course is the way that it draws upon recent and ongoing research in this area at the same time as engaging students with the research process. As part of the course students will identify appropriate data, which they will experimentally engage with appropriate analysis techniques as a way of generating both original insights into a selected myth and critical appraisal of the utility of two selected methods for the analysis of mythology. This takes the form of a guided process, which follows that of academic researchers: beginning with the process of identification and flowing through the process of analysis to the oral presentation of preliminary findings, before concluding with a formal written presentation. The course therefore both presents an overview of major theorists, (Campbell, Douglas, Derrida, Dumézil, Eliade, Frazer, Jung, Lévi–Strauss, Malinowski and Tylor) and promotes the comparative assessment of their theories. The module presents several ethnographic case studies to help ground and contextualise the wider theory and enables students to engage in a further, individually tailored, process of theory application and contextualisation. Through this process the module also exposes students to the something of the variety of global expressions and applications of mythology both historically and today.

Learning Outcomes

• A knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of study and main methods of enquiry in analyses of mythology, along with both an understanding of the way in which those principles have developed and an ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches.

• The analysis of sacred text.

• The acquisition and analysis of information through reading and research,
• The structured presentation of information in both written and oral form.
• The generation of insight through both individual reflection and group discussion.
• The development of the research skills.

Modes of Teaching, Learning and Assessment and how these contribute to the learning outcomes of the module

• Lectures convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject-matter, enabling students to develop a clear understanding of the subject and to improve their skills in listening and in evaluating information.
• Seminars enhance subject-specific knowledge and understanding both through preparation and through interaction with students and staff, promoting awareness of different viewpoints and approaches.
• Formative essays develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.
• Examinations assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the structured presentation of information in written form under time constraints.
• Summative essays assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.

Teaching Methods and Learning Hours

Summative Assessment

Formative Assessment:

One formative essay (2000 words)

■ Attendance at all activities marked with this symbol will be monitored. Students who fail to attend these activities, or to complete the summative or formative assessment specified above, will be subject to the procedures defined in the University's General Regulation V, and may be required to leave the University