| Unit name | Myth and Creativity |
|---|---|
| Unit code | CLAS30053 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | H/6 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Zajko |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of Classics & Ancient History |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
Storytelling or mythopoiesis is often regarded as a foundational human activity. Stories help to explain us to ourselves, to forge links between temporal realms and geographical locations, and to explore our relationship with the non-human. But if all myths are stories, are all stories myths, and how do the creative practices of the ancient world map onto those of the modern? This unit will probe the assumptions underpinning the universalist model of storytelling with reference to theories of psychological development, pedagogy, and play. Topics may include orality, childhood, fantasy, nature, monsters, empathy, and fear, and we will work with ancient and modern mythic texts from a variety of media and genres.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
In keeping with other units at this level, this unit gives you the opportunity to engage with the specific research interests of members of academic staff, and to explore in detail a specific area of current scholarship. There are no prerequisites for this unit, and you will build on your existing knowledge of ancient Greek and Roman mythology and its modern receptions. You will also be introduced to theories of storytelling formulated by philosophers, psychoanalysts and creative practitioners, and you will be encouraged to bring to the classes examples of stories that particularly move or excite you.
An overview of content
Retellings of myth are everywhere in our contemporary world: from the feminist novels of Madeline Miller to the world-building fantasies of Neil Gaiman and Punchdrunk’s immersive theatrical productions. All too often, however, the use of classical myth as a source for the contemporary imaginary passes without much explicit comment, as if its cultural value were obvious. In this unit you will explore both what is particular about classical myth and how it relates to the mythologies of other cultures and other forms of contemporary storytelling. You will assess the idea that myths are stories that encode a deeper-level meaning and evaluate a variety of theories that seek to explain why myth takes the form it does. Since the experience of ‘being inside’ stories is different from studying them, we will also have the opportunity to supplement our academic learning by tapping into the vibrant storytelling culture here in Bristol via optional field trips to events such as those hosted by the Crick Crack Club at the Cube and Story Slam at the Wardrobe Theatre.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
You will have enhanced your familiarity with a variety of classical myths and their modern receptions and thought about their potential resonance for your own lives. You will have considered the form and function of storytelling from a selection of theoretical perspectives. You will have improved your ability to communicate this knowledge orally and in writing.
Learning Outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
Classes will involve a combination of long- and short-form lectures, class and small-group guided discussion. Students will be expected to engage by reading, listening, researching, or viewing assignments. This will be further supported with drop-in sessions and self-directed exercises with tutor and peer feedback.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
3,500-word essay (100%) [ILOs 1-4].
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School/Centre shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. CLAS30053).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The assessment methods listed in this unit specification are designed to enable students to demonstrate the named learning outcomes (LOs). Where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, schools will make reasonable adjustments to support a student to demonstrate the LO by an alternative method or with additional resources.
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
