Course Details

Mythical Thought

Spring 2009 - South and Southeast Asian Studies 98A/198A - Units: 2

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In this course, we will read myths from a variety of cultures and identify cross-cultural mythological themes. We will also learn about some important academic attempts to explain mythology, from the structural analysis of Claude Levi-Strauss to Mircea Eliade's theory of myth as a link with sacred time. Finally, we will examine thinkers from a number of cultures (including Indians, Persians, Hebrews, and Greeks) who abandoned or innovated upon certain elements of mythical thought, contributing to what we call “modern” thought.

Class activities will include discussions, videos, skits, guest lectures, and a bit of creative writing.

Enrollment Info:

We have a total of 30 seats in this class. (The ratio of lower versus upper div seats can be changed if needed.)

Important: Last time this course was taught, way more than 30 people showed up on the first day. So this time, we won’t give out CCNs until after the first class meeting.

If you want to take the class, send an email to MythicalThought AT gmail dot com with 2-3 sentences about why you want to take the course. If we haven’t already gotten 30 requests, we’ll email you to confirm that you’re unofficially “enrolled.”

If you email us after we’ve gotten 30 requests, you’re still welcome to show up on the first day, but we can’t promise you a place in the class. We’ll keep a “waitlist” and let in waitlisted people if some of the “enrolled” people don’t show up on the first day.

Course Contact: MythicalThought AT gmail.com

Faculty Sponsor: Professor Robert P. Goldman

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Course info last modified January 2, 2009. This page has been viewed 959 times.