Course Description

Myths hold the wisdom of a culture. They are stories that explain the creation of the cosmos and the reasons for the characteristics of the Earth, animals, plants, and human beings. They pass on a culture's supernatural traditions, its gods, and its heroes. They reflect how the individual relates to his or her culture and to the universe. Myths come into our consciousness as revelations, and their stories are reenacted through ritual. Human beings use myths, fairy tales, and folklore to explain life's mysteries and make them bearable. Jesus explained his teachings through parables, giving his followers difficult problems in easy-to-understand form. Plato communicated abstruse philosophical concepts through simple myths and allegories. Myths have the mysterious capacity to contain and communicate paradoxes, allowing us to see through, around, and over a dilemma to the real heart of the matter. Not only do myths teach us how to live and help guide us through the psychological crises of life, but they also bridge our consciousness with transcendent, universal realms, instilling in us a sense of awe, humility, and respect for the mysteries of the universe.

In this course we will critically examine myths, fairy tales, and their distant cousins, urban legends. How have societies used these stories to create, preserve, and transmit their cultural values? We will address attitudes toward such subjects as sex, gender identity, good and evil, as well as other subjects or attitudes which we might discover as we proceed.

Contact Info

Course:  English 104 (Spring 2007)

Section:  055 (02239)
Meeting times:  MW 3:00-4:40 p.m.
Classroom:  CB 346

Instructor:  Anthony Ubelhor
Office:  1322 Patterson Office Tower
Office Hours:  MWF, 10:00-11:30 a.m. (or by appointment)
Phone:  (859) 257-6993 or (859) 257-7008
E-mail:  Anthony.Ubelhor@uky.edu
Home page:  http://ubelhor.home.mindspring.com/