107-268 Myth and Media: from Homer to Hollywood

Usually 25 points of first-year cinema studies, see Prerequisites or classical studies and archaeology.

This subject examines the changing nature of myth, from Homer's Odyssey through to the concept of a modern myth. Consideration will be given to the significance of myth's persistent presence in human culture. Students will examine the way myths change over time as they are retold in different eras and in different media, including oral transmission, written texts, film, television and computer games. The subject will investigate how new myths (from Plato's Atlantis to comic-book superheroes such as Batman and the X-Men) are created, and focus will be on evaluating the rationale behind the cultural and historical shifts that can alter basic mythic patterns. Various theories of myth will be explored, including structuralism, psychoanalysis, genre, semiotics, myth-ritual theory and postmodernism. The subject considers myth both in terms of conscious and unconscious processes, addressing issues of authorship, reception, self-reflexivity and marketing. Students should gain an inter-disciplinary understanding of myth theories and be able to apply them to diverse texts and media.

• be skilled in critical thinking and analysis;

• possess effective written communication skills;

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

Written work totalling 4000 words.

A subject reader will be available.