LLT 321.... Comparative Mythology..... Spring 2005
Edwin Carawan ----Craig 390A---- Office Hours: 1 M-F.....phone: 836-4831.....edc113f@missouristate.edu ... http://courses.missouristate.edu/edc113f
Objectives: This course is an investigation of the common patterns and social causes of myth-making. The guiding theme of our study will be Violence and Order: we focus on the way myth seems to justify the practices of religion and early law as originating in some 'killing-in-exchange' (sacrifice or retribution).
Readings are divided into two units: (1) Creation and the Cosmos; and (2) the Hero's Quest.
With so wide a scope, we shall have to be selective. For primary material, Greek myth is central because it is so fully preserved. For comparison we focus first upon the most ancient sources, Sumer and Babylon, with a brief look at Egypt; we then turn to the relatively recent but remarkably primitive remains of Norse saga and related Germanic legend.
Parallel to this last set of readings we will sample and discuss a representative work of modern mythography: Walter Burkert's Structure and History, an influential model tracing the roots of mythmaking back to defining violence in early human society.
Reqirements: The course grade will consist of 3 components: (1) Quizzes and in-class exercises (total 40%), (2) essays (2 @ 20 % each) and a Final Exam (20). The quizzes are largely short answer, matching and brief identification (Practice for Quiz 1 linked below).
Readings should be completed for the assigned date, and basic comprehension will be measured by in-class exercises. The essays reflect upon common and contrasting elements in two or more traditions; 4-5 pages suggested. Essay guides are linked to this syllabus.
The Final is largely review: short answer on basic terms, discussion of broader themes.
Integrity: Any request for make-up or rescheduling of tests should document reasonable need. Any academic dishonesty will be subject to sanctions (as listed in Student Academic Integrity, p.4) proportionate to the work: zero on quiz; course F on essay; XF on Final.
Special considerations: We strongly support University policies to accommodate students with disabilities and to prevent or remedy discrimination of any kind. If you have a concern or special need, please advise the instructor. In regard to disabilities, you may also contact Disability Services (836-4192) http://www.missouristate.edu/disability; regarding discrimination, the Equal Opportunity Officer (836-4252) or go to http://www.missouristate.edu/human/eoaa.htm.
Texts: Thorkild Jacobsen, The Treasures of Darkness (1976 = TD); Gilgamesh Epic, Foster ed. (Norton edn)... Lombardo, The Essential Homer (2000); ......
J. Lindow, Norse Mythology (2002 =NM).....W. Burkert, Structure and History in Greek Mythology and Ritual. . . . Additional materials provided in class (hndt) and online.
Jan. 10...Intro: Comparative Myth and Culture. Goddess and Shaman online: A thumbnail sketch of Creation stories Unit I Creation and the Cosmos Jan. 12....TD 3-25: Sumerians and discovery of the Sacred a very rough timeline for Greece and Near East Uruk Vase (for a closer look) Mesopotamia Jan. 14 ... TD 26-73: Inanna and Death of Dumuzi ... Jan. 19 . . . TD 77-91: Gods as Rulers Enki World Jan. 21-24 . . .TD 95-143: The Sumerian Pantheon Rising ...'Enlil and Ninlil' ..... 'Enki and Ninhursag (in Dilmun)' Jan. 26 . . . TD 146-64, Rise of Personal Religion Jan. 28 . . . . . .Quiz 1 Jan. 31 ...TD 167-191 = Enuma Elish Feb. 2-4 ... Hesiod, the Greek Theogony (online) Hittite and other parallels; study qq. for Theogony Succession Myths compared ...Zeus vs. Typhon Feb. 7 ...Egyptian Myths of Creation (hndt) Feb. 9-11 ... Egyptian Cataclysm, Greek 'Ages of Man' and Atrahasis (TD 116-21); Parallel Myths of Man's Doom Lot's Daughters (another Cataclysm survived) Feb. 14 .... Review and Perspective ...Horus vs. Seth Feb. 16 . . . Quiz 2. Feb. 18-25 ... Gilgamesh & Co. (Guide 1) Feb. 23-25... Quest for Immortality and Aftermath Egyptian Tale of Two Bros. Summary of 'Two Bros.' Mar. 7... Essay 1: Creation-- Violence and Order |
Unit II. The Hero's Quest Feb.28-Mar.2 ...End of the Iliad (16-24)= Homer 153-240 Mar. 4-7 ... Odyssey 9-13 Mar. 9 . . .Odyssey Bks. 16-18 Mar. 11-14 ... Odyssey 19-24 Mar. 16 ... Review and discussion Mar. 18 ...Quiz 3 Mar. 21- Apr. 8... Norse Myth Mar. 21 ... Read Lindow's Introduction (1-42) Mar. 23 ... Basic terms Kvasir's Blood Gylfaginning (unabridged) *** Mar. 24-Apr.1, Spring Break *** Apr. 4 ... Identify Basic terms in Gylfaginning 1-34 cf. Otter's Ransom .... Thor and Thrym Outline/Guide Apr. 6 ... Gylfaginning 38-50; outline the major stories, Siring of Sleipnir, Journey to Utgard, Baldr & Ragnarok Apr. 8 ...Readings in the Edda, cont. Thor & Loki Apr. 13 ...Essay 2: the Journey Beyond Apr. 11-15... Volsunga Saga cf. Niebelungenlied) 5th c. Background: Volsungs and Burgundians Apr. 11 . . . Volsunga Saga 11-15... 16-18 .....(Guide) Apr. 13 . . . Volsunga Saga 19-22...23-27...(Guide2) Apr. 15 ... Volsunga Saga 28-32 April 18 . . Quiz 4 Norse gods & Germanic Saga April 20 ....Burkert ch. 1. Defining Myth Apr. 22-25 ....Burkert chh. 2-3, Ritual and Scapegoat. Apr.27-9...Burkert chh. 4-6, Goddesses & their Guys. May 2 ...Review and Discussion Telepinus & Friends May 4 . . . Final Guide--Summary of Recent Reading May 9 (Mon.) ....Final Exam (11 am) Special hours for Finals Evaluations |