Considering Myth

Part of our success in the study of mythology is getting over the idea that the word myth is a pejorative term. Over the course of the next two weeks, we will be considering and discussing the idea of myth in order to arrive at a shared context for study. While a common idea of what myth is will be useful in the classroom, a personal (phenomenological) understanding is also important. Therefore, this writing assignment asks that you think about the material we will cover in the next several weeks and arrive at a personal definition of mythology.

You may approach this assignment in two ways:

1. How is your idea of myth different or the same as the perspectives presented in the readings? Be clear and specific as you present your ideas by directly responding to the authors.
2. In your opinion, how should myth function? In an ideal circumstance, what should myth do? Again, be clear and specific as you present your ideas by directly responding to the authors.

Requirements:

• This paper should be at least 2.5-3 pages long (typed and double spaced).