ENGL3333 Literature & Mythology

Course Description

The study of mythology within the context of British, American Literature, or Comparative Literature.

The primary goal of this course is to introduce students to the richness, excitement, and significance of classical (Greek and Roman) mythology. But the course moves beyond a simple introduction to an understanding of literature, in terms of its mythological allusions, and to various interpretations of mythological figures in the arts: painting and sculpture.

We will begin by discussing the primary objectives that myths, according to Joseph Campbell, frequently serve: (1) the processes of the universe; (2) the origin of customs or social rituals in terms of group behavior; and (3) the meaning of significant individual behavior. The approach to this course will often be interdisciplinary, including videos of myths and tragedies and visual representations of classical-subject paintings. 

Course Credits: 3

Prerequisites: ENGL 1301, ENGL 1302, and a Sophomore-Level Survey Course

Student Learning Outcomes

By the end of the semester, students taking this course will be able to do the following:

  1. Demonstrate knowledge of classical (Greek, Roman) mythology.
  2. Interpret mythological allusions in literature.
  3. Interpret classical myths using various theoretical perspectives.
  4. Recognize the ideological forces that shape mythological constructs.
  5. Evaluate the impact of classical mythology on gender constructs.
  6. Identify classical myths and demonstrate their significance in psychology, literature, art, and popular culture. 
CONNECT WITH US