Ms. Gokturk

vgokturk@portnet.k12.ny.us

516.767.5868

Ms. G’s calendar: www.checkthesite.com (AKA www.surfturk.com)

Turnitin Class ID: 4783394 Password: gokturk

Mythology Course Description

As a student in this introductory mythology class, you will be introduced to some creation and flood myths from around the world, dissect beloved and unknown fairytales, and spend a great deal of time learning Greek and Roman myths. You will leave the course familiar with the Greco-Roman gods, monsters, and heroes. You will also be introduced to a sampling of noteworthy ancient plays, learn about the heroic sagas, and analyze modern interpretations.

Course Materials

• Reference: Edith Hamilton’s Mythology, Big Myth Program (in room 123), Creation Myths (Galenet – through our library reference page)
• Ancient plays: Euripides’ Medea, Trojan Women, and The Bacchae; Aeschylus’ Prometheus Bound
• Modern Works: George Bernard Shaw’s Pygmalion and/or CS Lewis’ Till We Have Faces
• Films: Big Fish, Pan’s Labyrinth, Little Otik, The Odyssey (excerpts)

Units

1. Creation Myths: World Mythology
2. Etiological Myths: These are stories that explain why something is the way it is. (Prometheus Bound, Till We Have Faces, Pygmalion)
3. Eschatological Myths: These stories address “the end” – the death of the individual, religious practices, cycles in nature, etc. (The Bacchae)
4. Heroic Sagas (The Odyssey, The Illiad, The Aeneid, The Trojan Women)
5. Fairy Tales: We will analyze reoccurring motifs and research criticism. (Children’s books, Big Fish, Pan’s Labyrinth, Little Otik)
6. Flood Myths: World Mythology

Coursework

• Quizzes
• Journals
• Educational Posters
• Critical Essays
• Children’s Book
• Creative Writing (Short Story / Play / Film)
• Research Paper
• Research Presentation: Photo Story / Movie Maker
• Midterm and Final Exams