Beyond Gods and Goddesses:
American Myths and Legends

Register for American Myths and Legends here!

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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!