107-224 Comparative Mythology

Formerly available as 107-111. Students who have completed 107-111 are not eligible to enrol in this subject.

This subject focuses on mythic themes in a cross-cultural context. Students will start with specific themes in Greek myth (eg. the trickster figure, birth and cosmogony, the quest, the archer/healer) and move on to examine other Indo-European traditions where similar narrative themes occur. Some attention is also given to the ways that these themes emerge in a modern cultural context, especially in the cinema. On conclusion of the subject students should have a grasp of the principal themes and cultural significance of the myths studied, and of some of the major scholarly approaches to comparative mythology.

• be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

• possess effective written communication skills;

• have an understanding of social, ethical and cultural context.