SPRING 2000
This information effective for Spring 2000.
Check with instructor the first day of class for any changes.
Tu-Thurs 8:00-9:45
Oakes 105
A study of the nature of religion and myth as well as their interrelationship: the beginnings and functions of myth, its major themes in various cultures, its relationship to sacrifice and ritual, and its role in selected religions and cultures throughout the world.
Instructor: Gary Lease
Teaching Assistants: TBA
Texts to be selected from:
Mircea Eliade: MYTH & REALITYJames Frazer: THE GOLDEN BOUGH
William Doty: MYTHOGRAPHY: Study of Myth and Ritual
Gerald Larue: ANCIENT MYTH AND MODERN LIFE
Class Reader: selections from primary texts and from critical commentators
Themes and Topics:
Introduction: Nature of Myth & Religion Syllabus
Film: "The Magician" (by Ingmar Bergman, 1959 - 101 mins)
Religion & Myth: Functions
Mythic Function: Creation or cosmogony
Mythic Function: World or cosmology
Film: MEDEA (by Paolo Pasolini with Maria Callas, 1970 - 100 mins)
Mythic Function: Nature or fertility
Mythic Function: Society or authority (rule/order)
Film: SIMON OF THE DESERT (by Luis Bunel, 1965 - 45 mins)
Mythic Function: Future or salvation
Midterm Examination
Myth Building: Christianity
Myth Building: Mormonism
Film: TRIUMPH OF THE WILL (by Leni Riefenstahl, 1934 - 107 mins)
Myth Building: National Socialism
Myth Building: Unification Church, Rastafarianism, Fringe Cults
Film: RISE UP & WALK (native African churches - 55 mins)
Film: FROM NOON TO THREE (Charles Bronson, 1976 - 99 mins)
Role and Future of Myth
Film: IN THE NAME OF GOD (by A. Patwardha, 1991 - 60 mins)
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Examinations and Evaluations:
Evaluations will be based on:
1) a midterm examination consisting of an in-class survey of the readings and classroom discussions;
2) a two-part final examination consisting of (1) Take-Home Essays selected from a series of questions made available at least two weeks before the end of the course; and (2) an in-class survey of readings and films.
3) discussion and performance in class and in section.