Undergraduate Programme and Module Handbook 2016-2017 (archived)
Module THEO2451: Myth and Meaning. The structural Analysis of Mythology
Department: Theology and Religion
THEO2451:
Myth and Meaning. The structural Analysis of Mythology
Type |
Open |
Level |
2 |
Credits |
20 |
Availability |
Available in 2016/17 |
Module Cap |
|
Location |
Durham
|
Prerequisites
Corequisites
Excluded Combination of Modules
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 a structural analysis of mythology and to assess the value of both this and other 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 first half of the module presents an overview of major theories and enagges the student directly with major theorists, (Campbell, Douglas, Derrida, Dumézil, Eliade, Frazer, Freud, Jung, Malinowski and Tylor). It promotes the nd promotes the comparative assessment of their theories and the development of a wide-knowledge base. This movement of the module also presents several ethnographic case studies to help ground and contextualise the wider theory. This culminates in the class test.
- The second half of the module encorages depth of knowledge in the writings and technique of Lévi-Strauss. This half of the module also enables students engagement 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. The result of this is an original piece of analysis that transforms the students from learning about mythology to practitioners of mythography.
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
Activity |
Number |
Frequency |
Duration |
Total/Hours |
|
Lectures |
22 |
1 per week |
1 hour |
22 |
|
Seminars |
6 |
3 in Term 1, 2 in Term 2 and 1 in Term 3 |
1 hour |
6 |
|
Preparation and Reading |
|
|
|
172 |
|
Total |
|
|
|
200 |
|
Summative Assessment
Component: Examination |
Component Weighting: 20% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
Take home exam |
1 hour |
100% |
resit opportunity |
Component: Essay |
Component Weighting: 60% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
One summative essay |
4000 words |
100% |
|
Component: Presentation |
Component Weighting: 20% |
Element |
Length / duration |
Element Weighting |
Resit Opportunity |
One Presentation |
15-30 Minutes |
100% |
|
One formative essay (1500 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