For the rest of the semester (four weeks), you will work either individually (or in pairs) to develop a substantial independent study project. For this project, you will choose one culture (Greek, Norse, Celtic, Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Japanese/Chinese, Native American, African, Buddhist, Islamic, Popular, etc.). Then, using the models of Modules 1 & 2, (interpretation and holistic analysis), you will explore, research, critically analyze, and present the mythology of that culture, using specific themes and foci.
THE INDEPENDENT PROJECT HAS THREE OPTIONS: SELECT ONE:
OPTION 1: 1800-2000 word (7-8 pages) research analysis paper
HONORS: 2500-3000 (10-12 pages)
OPTION 2: Eighteen-twenty Powerpoint Slides (complete with analysis)
HONORS: 25 + slides
OPTION 3*: 1000-1300 words (4-5 pages) Research paper PLUS Creative Project (Digital ONLY)
HONORS: (please talk to me)
The project ( no matter, which option you choose) will be an analysis of a specific theme within a mythology, using a holistic approach. In other words, you will develop a research analysis on one specific theme that you will examine, using various aspects of the culture–it’s history, rituals, societal norms, status of men and women, ideas of connection between man and divine, etc.
*NOTE: for the creative project, see additional guidelines in the assignment.
Here are some examples for TOPICS and the research will require:
TOPIC: Animal Symbolism/Rituals/Nature and Spiritualism, etc. in In Native American mythology
(The research for this will involve)
History of a particular tribe
Cultural norms about nature
Rituals they perform
Animals they hunt and how they hunt them
Spiritual connections to animals, Etc.
Animal myths and interpret and analyze them.
TOPIC: The Supernatural/Magic/Relationship of Man and Divine/Myth Cycles and Creation of Celtic Society/The Hero (in Celtic mythology)
(You will examine)
History of the Celts
Myth Cycles
Celtic Gods
Druid culture and magic
Concept of magic
Magic in relation to women and goddesses
Heroes (such as Cuchulainn)
Magic in societal norms
You could also look at some Celtic myths related to magic and interpret and analyze them.
Similarly, here are some more ideas. Each of these will require research from various perspectives and analysis and interpretation of relevant myths before you put it all together.
Topic Ideas:
Greek and Norse mythologies: honor and glory;
Greek: The role of the Goddess and society; War and Violence; Zeus’ sexuality; Hades, the god of the underworld; Athena, the androgynous goddess, etc.
Norse: War and Violence; Ragnarok; Gods Vs. Giants; Odin the Allfather; Thor, the god of the People
Sumerian mythology: relationship of myth and geography; Fertility and the Divine/Role of Goddesses
Egyptian mythology: man/divine connection with Death and Afterlife; The Divine King; Role of Goddesses
Meso-American mythology: Prevalence of human sacrifice; Rituals; Creation
African Mythology: the Supernatural
Chinese Mythology: Dragons
Islamic Mythology: The role of evil (jinn, Iblis)
Christian Mythology: Role of Satan; Creation of Eve; Suffering; The Burning Bush (and Moses)
Within each of these themes, you will also include brief myth narratives, an exploration of the myth onion, symbology and interpretation of symbols, and man divine relationships.
TIP: As you can see, you project will need to incorporate many angles; therefore, you MUST conceive it well. The key is to allow yourself plenty of time to think it out.
Consider this: Before beginning on focused and academic research spend some time on Google and familiarize yourself with the topic. This will also help you gather the areas of research you will need. Then create an outline.
(NOTE: For your project proposal, you will submit an expanded outline)
RESEARCH
For each aspect of the project, you will need to do substantial research. Please make sure that your sources are credible and academic, and that you document them accurately. While there is no limit to the sources you can use, I expect you to use no less than 10 critical sources for the options 1 & 2, and 6-7 sources for the third option.
NOTE: In addition to critical sources, you will be using primary sources (the myth sources), for which you can use books, encyclopedias, website, etc. There is no limit to these primary sources, but these will not be counted as the required number of sources.
NOTE: difference between primary sources and secondary sources:
Primary sources are those that are original writings, or closest to them. For example, the Bible is a primary source of Jesus’ parables. For mythology, the myth narratives themselves are considered primary. For example, the Eddas are primary sources. The Greek myths from Hesiod are primary.
Secondary sources are writings about primary sources, such as analyses, interpretations, etc. They are often also called critical sources, but, more specifically, critical sources are scholarly studies and critiques (such as those in the databases).
