Folklore and Mythology Minor

Program Overview

This program delves into the captivating world of mythology, folklore, and cultural beliefs. It explores the myths and legends of diverse cultures, examines the relationship between myth and art, and investigates the representation of gender in popular culture. The program also delves into the study of world religions, Native American storytelling, and the Mexican cult of death, providing a comprehensive understanding of the human experience through the lens of myth and culture.

Program Outline

Outline:

• Introduction to World Mythology: This course explores the myths and legends of various cultures around the world.
It examines the themes, symbols, and characters that are common to these stories and how they reflect the values and beliefs of the cultures that created them. (3 credits)
• Introduction to Folklore: This course introduces students to the study of folklore, which is the traditional beliefs, customs, and stories of a people.
It examines the different types of folklore, such as myths, legends, fairy tales, and folk songs, and how they are collected, analyzed, and interpreted. (3 credits)
• Myth and Art: This course explores the relationship between myth and art.
It examines how myths have been represented in art throughout history and how art can be used to interpret and understand myths. (3 credits)
• Gendered Images Pop Culture: This course examines the ways in which gender is represented in popular culture.
It explores how media such as movies, television, and music shape our understanding of gender and how they can be used to challenge or reinforce gender stereotypes. (3 credits)
• Introduction to World Religions: This course introduces students to the major world religions, including their beliefs, practices, and histories.
It examines the different ways in which religions have shaped human culture and society. (3 credits)
• Native American Myth and Storytelling: This course explores the myths and stories of Native American cultures.
It examines the different types of Native American myths, such as creation myths, trickster tales, and hero stories, and how they reflect the values and beliefs of the cultures that created them. (3 credits)
• Mexican Cult of Death in Myth and Literature: This course explores the Mexican cult of death, which is a complex and fascinating blend of indigenous and Catholic beliefs.
It examines the different ways in which death is represented in Mexican myth and literature and how it reflects the Mexican people's understanding of life and death. (3 credits)
• Death and Dying: This course examines the different ways in which people experience and understand death and dying.
It explores the cultural, psychological, and spiritual aspects of death and dying and how they can help us to live more meaningful lives. (3 credits)
• Asian Thought: This course introduces students to the major philosophical and religious traditions of Asia, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Confucianism, and Taoism.
It examines the different ways in which these traditions have shaped Asian culture and society. (3 credits)
• The Vampire: This course explores the vampire myth from its origins in folklore to its modern representations in popular culture.
It examines the different ways in which the vampire has been represented and how it reflects our fears and anxieties about death, sex, and the unknown. (3 credits)
• King Arthur: This course examines the legend of King Arthur, one of the most popular and enduring stories in English literature.
It explores the different versions of the legend and how it has been used to reflect the values and beliefs of different cultures and time periods. (3 credits)