Myth and Literature

Authors throughout the ages have been fascinated by ancient mythology and have incorporated elements of it into their texts, often modifying commenting on or even destroying the original myth in the process. This course will investigate the values, dangers and limitations of myth-making/using in literature. Primary texts will include major works by Milton, Goethe, Kleist, Racine and Kafka. Texts will be supplemented by secondary readings and multimedia elements. Students will learn to question and engage critically with the historical, cultural, literary and scientific frontiers that separate myth and reality. Assignments will include two short papers and a final paper.