HUMN 28 - The Classic Myths
Instructor: Abrol Fairweather
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Course Description
Introduction to mythic themes recurring in literature, the visual arts, and music; gods, humans, heroes; their origins, variations, historical development, and full expression in classical times and continued presence in the arts.
To take this class, you must have daily access to a computer with an Internet connection, an email account, and experience using a web browser. You will also need to update your email address in CLASS-Web when you register.
Check the college catalog for CSU/UC transferability and to see if this course meets AA/AS degree requirements.
This course begins June 16 and ends July 24.
On-Campus Meetings
There are no required on-campus meetings for this class. You can attend an OPTIONAL, on-campus orientation to Online Learning on either June 11 from 7-8:30 p.m. in Room 2420, June 12 from 1-2:30 p.m. in Room 2420, or June 18 from 7-8:30 p.m. in Room 2412. Learn more about these orientations, which are NOT course-specific.
How This Class Operates
This is not a self-paced class; there are due dates throughout the semester that you are expected to meet, just like in a traditional, face-to-face class.
This class is divided into six modules, and each module contains various activities. You will only be able to access the current module. Each module lasts between two to four weeks.
The learning objectives for this course are to:
- recognize the fundamental motifs universally present in myths;
- analyze the function of myths in world cultures;
- compare and contrast parallel myths from world cultures;
- identify commonly used symbols in myths;
- distinguish mythic sources in literature, the visual arts, and music;
- relate mythic tales to one’s personal life history.
Class Activities
You have numerous short-medium writing assignments in this course, usually 3 per module of approximately 2 pages each. Each assignment will be described under the relevant module with directions on submission. Each assignment, including Discussion Board postings, must be completed before the module due date in order to receive credit. Writing assignments include summaries of course readings, web research, creative excercises and applying course material to real life situations.
How Students are Graded
Each module will be worth 60 points unless otherwise specified. There will be a final worth 60 points to be turned in in person.
Discussion Assignments
The specific content for each discussion assignment will vary with the specific assignment. However, in each case, the instructor will look to see that you have adhered closely to the assignment topic as described in the discussion thread left by the instructor and that you adhere to the guidelines below. The instructor will use these guidelines to grade your discussion assignments.
- Stay On Topic: It is very important to stay on topic.
- Do The Reading: Equally important is that your submission demonstrate that you have done the relevant reading. This is accomplished by citing specific material from the text or relevant web sites and explaining in your own words the meaning of the selected passages.
- Analyze Material: Ultimately, the instructor wants to see your individual analysis of course material as guided by the assigment guidelines. This can be done in many ways: asking questions, making distinctions, real life applications, raising objections, expanding principles into new areas, playing the Devil's Advocate, drawing conclusions. Show that you are directly engaging with the relevant course content as directed by the assignment description. This often distinguishes very good work from good work.
Grading Scale
319-355 A
284-318 B
248-317 C
213-247 D
212-below F
Succeeding in an Online Course
Students who succeed in online courses tend to be independent, self-motivated learners with good computer skills. If you are a procrastinator who relies heavily on the instructor for motivation, can't use a computer too well, have taken less than 21 units of college credit in your lifetime, and/or have a grade-point-average under 2.0, you should probably consider enrolling in a face-to-face course instead.
Also, don't enroll in this class if you believe the myth that learning online requires less effort than learning face-to-face. This course covers the same content and has similar activities as the face-to-face version of the course; only the method of delivery changes.
LPC offers a tutorial called "Succeeding in an online course" that will not only tell you if you are a good fit for online learning, but it also offers many strategies -- among other pertinent information -- that will help you succeed online. Please complete the tutorial.
Blackboard
This course will use the Blackboard course management system as its virtual classroom. To learn how to log in to Blackboard, go to the Blackboard Login Procedures page. Once you enroll, you will not be able to log in until the first day of class.