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Fall 2007
South and Southeast Asian Studies 98/198
2 Unit(s)

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About the Course:

IMPORTANT: The class location was originally listed as 259 Dwinelle, but it got moved to 174 Barrows. I've changed the section listing accordingly.

Note: The South and Southeast Asian Studies department sponsors this course, but South and Southeast Asian mythology is only one of the subjects we'll be studying.

The first part of this course introduces you to some of the major differences between mythical thought and modern thought. For instance, we'll learn how many ancient cultures saw time less as a straight line and more as a circular repetition of mythical events.

The second part explores some of the common themes and patterns in mythology. We'll read about gods battling giants for control of the universe, heroes descending into the underworld to rescue their loved ones, and magical beings who die to create food for their people.

The third part wraps up the course with a survey of the intellectual revolutions of the "Axial Age" (800-200 B.C.). We'll learn how Indian, Persian, Hebrew, and Greek thinkers abandoned certain elements of mythical thought, setting the stage for modern thought.

The course reader contains myths drawn from a variety of cultures. In-class activities will include class discussions, films, games, guest lectures, and a bit of creative writing.

After the first day of class, I'll email each student a Word document containing the course reader.

How to Enroll:

Show up on the first day (Wednesday, September 5), and I'll give you the CCNs. If you can't make the first meeting for some reason, please email me.

NOTE: The start time was originally listed as August 29. I apologize.