Unit 1: Storytelling and film—are films the new
“mythology”?
In this unit, students will come
to an understanding of mythology and the role it plays in their lives.
“Not all mythology dates from the days of ancient cultures. People
around the world continue to create new myths and to embroider or
rework existing ones. Modern technologies such as publishing, movies,
telecommunications, and the Internet allow folktales, rumors, and newly minted
myths to travel faster and reach more people than ever before. One distinctive
feature of some modern legends is that they originated as artistic creations, although
their creators may have drawn on earlier themes…
…Like all myths and legends, modern
mythology springs from a sense of life's wonder, excitement, mystery, and
terror. Modern legends offer images of the best and worst aspects of the human
condition. They suggest that good behavior will be rewarded and evil, greedy,
or foolish behavior punished. Some modern legends reflect people's fear of
rapid social change or of science and technology; others appeal to their desire
to find meaningful patterns beneath the confusing chaos of ordinary life.”
Primary readings and viewings
Secondary viewing:
Primary writing
Analysis paragraph: Is
film the new vehicle when discussing mythology and metaphor? Why or why not?
Unit 2:
Psychology and the Star Wars
Universe
In this unit, students will
investigate elements of the DSM5 regarding narcissism, sociopathy, and psychopathy. They will then use this information to
analyze characters from the second canon (episodes 1-3).
Primary readings and viewings
TED-ed video: https://ed.ted.com/on/VMwOaVwq
TED video: https://www.ted.com/talks/jon_ronson_strange_answers_to_the_psychopath_test?language=en
TED video: https://www.ted.com/talks/jon_ronson_strange_answers_to_the_psychopath_test?language=en
Regarding the DSM5:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Diagnostic_and_Statistical_Manual_of_Mental_Disorders
https://www.betterhelp.com/advice/sociopathy/dsm-5-sociopath-diagnostic-definitions-and-symptoms/·
·
Separating aspects of personality
disorders:
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/sociopath-psychopath-difference#1
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/toxic-relationships/201801/whats-the-difference-between-sociopath-and-narcissist·
https://www.webmd.com/mental-health/features/sociopath-psychopath-difference#1
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/toxic-relationships/201801/whats-the-difference-between-sociopath-and-narcissist·
·
Primary writing
Notes from the TED-Ed video
Article notes
Unit 3:
The Second Canon—Episodes 1-3
Students will be asked to identify
aspects of the DSM5 in characters of note.
This information will be useful when analyzing characters in the first
and contemporary canons.
Material for review
Primary viewing
·
The Phantom Menace
·
Attach of the Clones
·
Revenge of the Sith
Primary writing
Character diagnosis sheets / in class writing
Secondary viewing:
TED talk: "My Son was a Columbine Shooter"
Secondary viewing:
TED talk: "My Son was a Columbine Shooter"
Unit 4: Joseph Campbell and the Hero’s Journey
In this unit, students will be
introduced to Joseph Campbell, a well-renowned mythologist. Students will use the information in this
unit as a template for their study of the first canon.
Primary readings and viewings
The Power of Myth, Part 1 (A PBS documentary)
Primary writing
Notes from documentary
Unit 5:
The First Canon: Episodes 4-6
Students will use information from
previous units when analyzing episodes 4-6.
Who is the hero of this canon?
The villain? Or is it more
complicated than that…?
Primary reading and viewing
·
A New Hope
·
The Empire Strikes Back
·
Return of the Jedi
Primary writing
Hero chart for Luke Skywalker
Continuation of Hero chart for
Anakin Skywalker
Unit 6: The Contemporary Canon: Episodes 7-8
In this unit, students will use
information from previous units to examine the character of Kylo Ren. What metaphor(s) are the new writers and
directors of the franchise bringing to their audience?
Primary reading and viewing
·
The
Force Awakens
·
The
Last Jedi
·
Episode 9: TBA
Episode 9: TBA
Primary writing:
Character analysis charts
Argument paper
The final exam… TBA
Please note that the final exam is mandatory. It
will count as 1/5 of your final grade. Failure to complete the final exam
or plagiarism on the final may result in course failure.
Important definitions/concepts
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