Overview

This module examines the relationship between philosophy and mythology, analysing how philosophical and ethical truths have been communicated through mythological narratives. The course will begin by questioning what is meant by the term ‘myth’, we will explore a range of definitions in order to establish what types of narrative can be consider mythological. We will then proceed to discuss the various ways in which mythology has been used to explore philosophical and ethical issues such as the human condition, death, sex, environmental issues and violence. Throughout this aspect of the course students will be given the opportunity to critically engage with a range of narratives from variety of different cultures and time periods, scrutinising the various ways mythology has shaped different civilizations, in turn influencing how humanity has understood a range of philosophical and ethical issues. Finally, we will explore the role of mythology is the modern world, analysing what role mythology plays in popular culture and questioning whether the increasing popularity in comic books and Star Wars could reflect humanity’s yearning for new mythologies.

This module will examine how mythological narratives communicate philosophical and ethical ideas, questioning whether mythology can be considered a form of philosophical discourse. As the course develops, we will begin to examine the relationship between mythology and culture, exploring how mythology has helped to establish cultural and social norms in a range of Indian, African and European societies. In this way we shall explore how mythology has shaped the way humanity understands a range of themes, such a death, war, gender and sexuality, analysing whether ancient narratives still shape the way we understand these themes today. The final weeks of the course will question whether humanity is now seeking new myths to help understand the moral dilemmas of the 21st century.

Assessment Strategy

-threshold -D- - D +. Submitted work is adequate and shows an acceptable level of competence as follows: •Generally accurate but with omissions and errors. •Assertions are made without clear supporting evidence or reasoning. •Has structure but is lacking in clarity and therefore relies on the reader to make links and assumptions. •Draws on a relatively narrow range of material.

-good -B- - B+. Submitted work is competent throughout and distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: •Very good structure and logically developed arguments. • Draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. • Assertions are backed by evidence and sound reasoning. • Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

-excellent -A - - A*. Submitted work is of an outstanding quality and excellent in one or more of the following ways: •Has originality of exposition with the student’s own thinking being readily apparent. •Provides clear evidence of extensive and relevant independent study.  •Arguments are laid down with clarity and provide the reader with successive stages of consideration to reach conclusions.

-another level-Good C- - C +. Submitted work is competent throughout and occasionally distinguished by superior style, approach and choice of supporting materials. It demonstrates: • Good structure and logically developed arguments. • At least in parts draws on material that has been sourced and assessed as a result of independent study, or in a way unique to the student. • Assertions are, in the main, backed by evidence and sound reasoning. • Accuracy and presentation in an appropriate academic style.

Learning Outcomes

• • To critically analyse different genres of mythology and critically evaluate how these genres are explored with contemporary society.

• • To critically analyse the diverse and shifting nature of mythology and how myths develop to meet the needs of specific groups in particular cultural and historical contexts.

• • To recognise the historical, social and philosophical factors that led to the development of some of the major mythological narratives.