This course intends to examine the nature of myth and how it can be used in historical and cultural studies.  It will consider specific mythic figures as case studies in three areas of mythology; Celtic, Norse and Native American. This aims to provide the student with a broad knowledge of the range of mythic material, the ways it varies in different cultures and in different contexts such as written sources, historical documents and popular culture.  In addition these case studies will enable us to look at different ways in which myth has been defined and what impact this has had on the interpretation of myth as a vehicle for culture and identity. 

Knowledge and Understanding:

• to demonstrate a broad knowledge of the range of mythic material, the ways it varies in different cultures and in different contexts
• to demonstrate a basic understanding of significant themes in Celtic, Norse and Native American myths
• to demonstrate a basic understanding of the range of approaches used within mythic discourse
• to demonstrate an ability to gather, assimilate and interpret mythic material in literary, historical and popular contexts. 

Nine two-hour sessions incorporating lectures, seminars and workshops.

18 contact hours plus remote support & resources via Learning Central

Intellectual Skills:

• to demonstrate a basic knowledge of the underlying concepts and principles associated with the study of myth
• to initiate, undertake and articulate a basic analysis of mythic sources in different contexts.
• develop explanations and support them with evidence
• to demonstrate a basic understanding of concepts and approaches regarding the understanding and analysis of myth

Discipline Specific (including practical) Skills:

• identify strengths, weaknesses, problems, and or peculiarities of alternative theoretical interpretations
• to initiate, undertake and articulate a basic analysis of information.
• to expand an understanding of the broad themes and developments considered in the course through the analysis of a mythic text or background source or sources.
• to research, plan and structure an essay and/or projects
• to recognise, evaluate and interpret different types of evidence
• to develop, at a basic level, subject-specific and critically-discerning information literacy skills

Transferable Skills:

• to present an argument, accurately, succinctly and lucidly, and in written or oral form
• to time manage and organise study methods and workload.
• to work with others, and have respect for others' reasoned views
• to gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information; and familiarity with appropriate means of identifying, finding, retrieving, sorting and exchanging information

Through a combination of formative and summative assignments including group work, class exercises, source criticism or other appropriate written assignment (500 words)

&

one short essay (1000 words)

Together, these demonstrate knowledge of selected aspects of the course and skills in the collection, summary and dissemination of information. 

 Celtic myths – Mabon and Aenghus

     - Sources, Welsh and Irish ‘myth’ tales (material from the Mabinogion)

    -  Myth used in poetry and fantasy literature :- examples W.B. Yeats “the Song of the Wandering Aunghus” “O’Driscoll the Host of the Air”; Selections from Evangeline Walton The Isle of the Mighty (Welsh-based fantasy)  and Anne Sanders Laubenthal Excalibur

-  Archaeology and myth :-  uses of sources and creation of identity

 North American Mythology- the Triclster – Coyote and Raven and their friends

• a selection of North American ‘Trickster’ myths and their cultural background
• The ‘Trickster figure’ Renard and Brer Rabbit as social criticism
• The ‘trickster’ hero from Ulysses to Road Runner
•  

 Viking and Norse mythology – The myth of Baldur

• survey of Norse/Germanic mythology relating to Baldur
• James Fraser and the ‘dying god’ Baldur in myth theory
• Modern Norse fantasy from the Valkyries to Eric Northman

Books

Helen Carr, Inventing the American primitive Cork University Press, 1996.

Sioned Davies The Mabinogion OUP 2004

J.G. Frazer The Golden Boughintro Craig Cairns Conongate classiscs 2004

Kathryn Gravdal Vilain and courtois: University of Nebraska Press, 1989.

Neil Gaiman American Gods William Morrow, 2001

Joel Chandler Harris, The Adventures of Brer Rabbit (any edition).

Sanders Anne Laubenthal Excalibur Ballenatine books 1973

John.Lindow  Norse mythology : Oxford University Press, 2002.

________Murder and Vengeance Among the Gods: Baldr in Scandinavian Mythology.1997

Michael O'Neill, A Routledge literary sourcebook on the poems of W.B. Yeats London/New York Routledge, 2004

Dáithí Ó hÓgáin, The Lore of Ireland  Boydell Press, 2006.

Proinsias Mac Cana, Celtic Mythology Hamlyn, 1970.

Evangeline Walton The Children of Lyr, The Song of Rhiannon, The Isle of the Mighty Series Pan/Ballantine books1968- 1972