In this assignment, you will demonstrate your mastery of the following course outcomes:
Differentiate among common themes and archetypes in myths in various cultures using appropriate terminology
Analyze the functions and types of myths as they relate to philosophy and human culture
Explain the commonality of myths through the application of various theories of archetypes
Explain how myths have evolved over time and have presented in contemporary culture using evidence from primary and secondary sources
You will now demonstrate what you have learned about these aspects and apply that knowledge and information to a specific archetypal theme. You will choose a topic from the provided list (or another with instructor approval), and you will explore and analyze it on several levels, including its origins, functions in the ancient world, how different cultures applied or understood the theme, what the theories for commonalities are, how it evolved over the centuries, and how it applies to our present culture.
Specifically, the following critical elements must be addressed:
I. Introduction: In this section, you will introduce your chosen archetype and provide an overview of how this archetype is presented in the myths of two different cultures.
A. Provide an overview of your chosen archetype (e.g., flood, hero, trickster), including the prevalence of the archetype among myths from different cultures and the relevance and significance of this archetype.
B. Choose two cultures (e.g., Sumerian, Hebrew, Egyptian) that have myths representing this archetype to be the focus of your paper.
1. Summarize significant information about the two cultures selected (e.g., time period associated with the origin of the myth, geography,
whether the culture was monotheistic or polytheistic, whether the culture was patriarchal).
2. Summarize the myths from these two different cultures that present this archetype. (Be sure to appropriately cite your sources for the
myth variations used.)
C. Briefly explain two different theories of archetypes and how applying them to myths can help broaden our understanding of the myths,
including how they spread. In your response, us the following theories: dispersion theory and collective unconscious.
D. Define relevant terminology that will be used to discuss myths and archetypes.
II. Comparison and Significance of Myths: In this section, you will compare the two myth variations. You will use evidence from primary and secondary sources to support your claims.
A. Compare the two cultural variations of the myths presented, including the similarities and differences. Support your comparison with evidence from the primary sources.
B. Demonstrate how one theory of archetypes (Jung’s theory, dispersion theory, etc.) might account for the spread and evolution of the myths.
C. Demonstrate how a different theory of archetypes (Jung’s theory, dispersion theory, etc.) might also account for the spread and evolution of
the myths.
D. Discuss the significance each myth to its corresponding culture. Support your discussion with specific examples.
E. Analyze the purposes of the myths according to at least two different functions. Functions to consider include: metaphysical, cosmological,
pedagogical, sociological, psychological, and aetiological.
III. Evolution of Myths: In this section, you will discuss the evolution of the myths and their relevance to contemporary culture and media. You will use evidence from primary and secondary sources to support your claims.
A. Trace the evolution of the myths by comparing and contrasting elements of the myths to elements found in modern media. Support your ideas with specific examples or evidence.
B. Discuss the prevalence and significance of these same archetypes in the ethics and morals and/or the roles of individuals in societies of contemporary culture (e.g., the roles of women have been influenced by archetypes of women in myths). Support your discussion with specific examples.
C. Discuss the prevalence and significance of these same archetypes in modern media or in contemporary versions of the myth. Support your discussion with specific examples.
Final Submission: Archetype Analysis Paper
In Module Seven, you will submit your final project. It should be a complete, polished artifact containing all of the critical elements (including the evolution of myths section) of the final product. It should reflect the incorporation of feedback gained throughout the course. This submission will be graded with the Final Project Rubric.
Guidelines for Submission: Your paper should be 6–8 pages and should follow MLA or APA guidelines for citations.
