THEO2451: Myth and Meaning. The structural Analysis of Mythology

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• To introduce students to the major historical and contemporary methods for the analysis of mythology.
• To facilitate the development of a critical understanding of the term myth and its application.
• To familiarise students with both contemporary and classical debates in the study of mythology.
• To guide students through a process of enskilment (becoming skilled) in the practice of the analysis of mythology.

• This module introduces the academic exploration of mythology as an integral part of the wider exploration of religion. It develops the basic skills necessary to both carry out a structural analysis of mythology and to assess the value of both this and other methods for the analysis of mythology. The module also develops critical reflection on the value of the category myth and the nature of its content as a way of deconstructing ethnocentric models of cultural evolution. A key element of the course is the way that it draws upon recent and ongoing research in this area at the same time as engaging students with the research process. As part of the course students will identify appropriate data, which they will experimentally engage with appropriate analysis techniques as a way of generating both original insights into a selected myth and critical appraisal of the utility of two selected methods for the analysis of mythology. This takes the form of a guided process, which follows that of academic researchers: beginning with the process of identification and flowing through the process of analysis to the oral presentation of preliminary findings, before concluding with a formal written presentation.
• The first half of the module presents an overview of major theories and engages the student directly with major theorists, (Campbell, Douglas, Derrida, Dumzil, Eliade, Frazer, Freud, Jung, Malinowski and Tylor). It promotes the comparative assessment of their theories and the development of a wide-knowledge base. This movement of the module also presents several ethnographic case studies to help ground and contextualise the wider theory. This culminates in the class test.
• The second half of the module encourages depth of knowledge in the writings and technique of Lvi-Strauss. This half of the module also enables students engagement in a further, individually tailored, process of theory application and contextualisation. Through this process the module also exposes students to the something of the variety of global expressions and applications of mythology both historically and today. The result of this is an original piece of analysis that transforms the students from learning about mythology to practitioners of mythography.

Subject-specific Knowledge:

• A knowledge and critical understanding of the well-established principles of study and main methods of enquiry in analyses of mythology, along with both an understanding of the way in which those principles have developed and an ability to evaluate critically the appropriateness of different approaches.

Subject-specific Skills:

• The analysis of sacred text.

Key Skills:

• The acquisition and analysis of information through reading and research,
• The structured presentation of information in both written and oral form.
• The generation of insight through both individual reflection and group discussion.
• The development of the research skills.

• Lectures are offered in such a way as they contain both lecture and seminar periods. Thus they convey information and exemplify an approach to the subject-matter, enabling students to develop a clear understanding of the material and to improve their skills in interpreting and evaluating information. Lectures cover the broad reading. Seminars enhance subject-specific knowledge through interaction between students and staff, promoting awareness of different viewpoints and approaches, and enhancing skills in the analysis of texts, concepts and arguments.
• Tutorials are for one-to-one engagement to provide assignment feedback and address any issues arising including the craft of essay writing or the conceptual grasp of the material.
• Summative essays assess subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form. Students will have opportunities to discuss their summative work in advance and receive feedback on their ideas.
• Formative: Students will complete a short piece of work at the beginning of the term to help identify any particular issues for individual students, as well as consolidate initial learning.
• Assessment: Summative: Two essays develop subject-specific knowledge and understanding, along with student skills in the acquisition of information through reading and research, and in the structured presentation of information in written form.

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