ATS2084 · Ancient mythologies

Overview

This unit examines mythic patterns and their relation to ritual enactments in ancient times and across a variety of cultures including Indigenous Australia, the ancient Near East, Greece and Rome. We explore creation stories, tales of kings and heroes and rites surrounding birth, marriage, and death. We access these myths primarily through ancient texts but also incorporate insights from archaeology and art history. In addition, you will examine genres of ancient story-telling such as oral traditions, epic, and drama and will be introduced to the theoretical tools associated with the study of ancient mythology and religion.

Areas of study: Archaeology and ancient history

Offerings

Assessment

The Handbook does not list a final examination among the assessment items. That is not a guarantee there is none.

Within semester assessment: 100%

Assessment details may change. Please refer to the assessment information in Moodle closer to the start of the teaching period.

Requisites

The Handbook lists no prerequisite, corequisite or prohibition for this unit.

Learning outcomes

1. Be familiar with the myths of Indigenous Australia and the ancient Mediterranean.
2. Identify the literary genres in which myths were written.
3. Understand the theoretical approaches to mythology.
4. Be aware of the socio-political contexts of myths.
5. Apply critical thinking and research skills to investigate primary and secondary sources.

Workload

Minimum total expected workload to achieve the learning outcomes for this unit is 144 hours per semester typically comprising a mixture of scheduled learning activities and independent study. Scheduled activities may include a combination of teacher directed learning, peer directed learning and online engagement.

Student experience, not official rules. Nothing here changes what the Handbook says.