1.   Write your definition on a piece of paper. What Is Mythology?

2.   As you watch the short film, think about the following:  What seems to be the theme or message of the myth?  Why do you think it’s still popular?  What place does it seem to have in our culture today? Before the video

3. All videos referenced in this presentation are on my YouTube Mythology playlist. To find the playlist, go to my website, then to Links, then look for YouTube.

4.   A set of stories or beliefs about a particular person, institution, or situation, esp. when exaggerated or fictitious.  A sacred narrative explaining how the world and humankind assumed their present form. (Alan Dundes).  Ideology in narrative form (Bruce Lincoln).  Any traditional story. Some Definitions of Mythology

5.   To convey religious experience  To establish behavioral models  To teach  Myth is a modern social practice  Fantasy novels  Science fiction  Manga  Urban legend How Myths Are Used

6.  The 4 Functions of Mythology

7.   Enables human beings to accept the burdens of life.  Purpose: to inspire a sense of awe and reverence to the great mystery of existence.  To stand in complete awe of the absolute mystery of the universe and the self. 1. Mystical

9.   Purpose: to explain birth, death, life, time, space, energy.  This function explains the unknowns of the universe by providing a framework to know them. Both science and religion do this. 2. Cosmological

10.   Mythologies help maintain social norms.  Example: in society  women have their roles (cooking, cleaning, raising children);  men have their roles (earning a living, providing for his family, head of household).  The sociological function allows for consensual agreement on what is and is not allowed (i.e., you can’t murder, steal, etc.).  Taught by parables and fables (Jesus, Socrates, Plato, Aesop) 3. Sociological

11.   Myths support us through changes in life. Provides rites of passage from one stage to the next.  Provides guideposts to serve as a reminder that there is a purpose. This comforts us in the entire process, as the individual remembers that he is neither the first nor last to embark upon this Hero’s Journey.  Probably accounts for the most similarities between different myths. 4. Psychological

12.   Assignment: Plan, script, film, and produce a documentary that compares and contrasts two different mythologies.  Explain the function or functions of the myth (see notes).  Describe their similarities and differences.  Conclude with a summary of how they are (or were) important to the cultures that created them.  Can be a video or PowerPoint  Video finished length: 6 - 8 minutes  PowerPoint finished length: 12 slides minimum, inclusive of titles, credits, and sources Assignment

13.  Some Possibilities  Science fiction  StarTrek  Star Wars  Doctor Who  Superheroes  Japanese monster movies (Godzilla)  Urban legends  Ghosts  UFOs  Zombies  Vampires  Ancient myths:  Greek  Roman  Norse  Egyptian  American Indian