HU 300 Seminar Myth and the Foundation of the Humanities Presented by Scott Robinson

Myth Myth is often used as a synonym for “misconception.” In our chapter, it means something else? What does it mean?

Traditional Stories Myth can also be defined as “a (1) traditional story of unknown authorship, (2) ostensibly with a historical basis, but (3) serving usually to explain some phenomenon of nature, the origin of humanity, or the customs, religious rites, etc., of a people.”

The Power of Stories “How Storytelling Can Save Your Life” - Peter Guber – 3:14 H5cbuKkkU

Stories of Life How has stories defined your life? Changed your life? Connected you to the people in your life?

Hero Myths Joseph Campbell’s Monomyth: Stages of the Hero’s Journey within the Matrix – Christopher Vogler – 3:48 RU RU

Campbell’s Stages of the Hero’s/Student’s Journey Hero Discomfort with the world Call to adventure Refusal of call Overcoming fear and meeting with the mentor Setting out on the adventure Test allies and enemies Student Discomfort with job, self, friends, etc. Call to return to school Refusal to return to school Meeting with advisor Starting class Questioning classmates and instructors

Campbell’s Stages of the Hero’s/Student’s Journey Hero Approach – facing the big struggle Moment of facing the struggle Reward for survival Road back to the real world Resurrection – Gift of new life Student Approach – preparing the big paper, the final project Moment of facing the grade, the feedback Reward: Knowledge/Graduation Return to normal routine New life for self, family, and employer

Common Heroes Movie Trailer– “Kick-Ass” – 2:35 Fw

Myths of Explanation Creation Suffering

Creation Stories Dirt – The Movie – 1:27 U3J6EqjBHc

Fiction? or Fact? Fiction? Mongol Creation Myth – Hot ZetiGer - 2:53 wP5xiNdQ2VI wP5xiNdQ2VI Fact? How the Earth Was Formed – 2:06 x8-KMR0nx8 x8-KMR0nx8

Be a hummingbird! Allow the stories of life inspire you to be a hummingbird! “I will be a hummingbird” – Wangari Maathai - 2:01

Questions?