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Beyond Gods and Goddesses: American Myths and Legends
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Register for American Myths and Legends here!
Return to the list of classes for Spring 2020.
Language Arts
Instructor: Josh Shaine
5-10 students
Suggested Ages: 11-15 years old
Meets: TBD
CLASS DESCRIPTION:
Did you know there is more to mythology than the various Gods and Goddesses of the ancient (and not so ancient) cultures? Have you ever noticed that some of our historical characters seem LARGER THAN LIFE? In this class we explore characters from various periods of American history and examine the difference between myths and legends. We will read about Paul Bunyan and his ox, Babe, John Henry vs. the machine , along with many others. We will explore what their purposes were and consider whether new myths are being born even as we meet in class! At the end of the course students will have the opportunity to use their creativity to create a tale of an American myth or project possible new ones.
SYLLABUS:
Week 1: Introduction: Fables, Koans, Midrashim, and Parables
Week 2: Paul Bunyan
Week 3: Mike Fink
Week 4: Pecos Bill
Week 5: Casey Jones
Week 6: Marie Laveau
Week 7: Billy the Kid
Week 8: The Wild West and the Construction of Myths
Week 9: Lizzie Borden
Week 10: Gasparilla
Week 11: Pocahontas
Week 12: Bigfoot
Week 13: Uncle Remus's Tales
Week 14: Comparison and Contrast
Week 15: Class Presentations
Week 16: Class Presentations
Specific sessions may change based on students' interests.
Register for American Myths and Legends here!