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
Prompt
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.
