aidemia--modules-courseplan_type	Create a plan of a course
Which subject	English
What age group	Year or Grade 11
What topic	Mythology
Number of lessons	40
Split into modules
Add goal and aims
Add intro
Add references
Any other preferences	Greek Norse Native American African Irish

Course Plan: Mythology in English Literature for Grade 11

Course Introduction

Welcome to "Mythology in English Literature," a comprehensive course designed for Grade 11 students. This course will explore the rich tapestry of mythology across various cultures, including Greek, Norse, Native American, African, and Irish traditions. Students will engage with myths as both literary texts and cultural artifacts, analyzing their significance, themes, and influence on modern literature and society. The course aims to foster critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deeper understanding of the narrative structures and symbolic meanings inherent in mythological stories.

Course Goals

• To explore and understand the significance of mythology across different cultures.
• To analyze key themes, symbols, and archetypes in various mythological texts.
• To enhance critical reading and analytical writing skills through the study of mythological stories.
• To promote cultural awareness and appreciation of diverse traditions and narratives.

Course Aims

1. Develop a strong understanding of the foundational myths of various cultures.
2. Analyze the role of mythology in shaping cultural identities and worldviews.
3. Compare and contrast different mythological perspectives and their implications.
4. Encourage creativity and personal reflection through writing and projects based on mythological themes.

Course Outline

Module 1: Introduction to Mythology (Lessons 1-5)

1. Lesson 1: What is Mythology?

   • Definition and significance of mythology in literature and culture.
   • Exploration of common elements in myths around the world.

2. Lesson 2: The Hero’s Journey

   • Joseph Campbell's "monomyth" and its application to myths.
   • Introduce primary characteristics of heroes in mythology.

3. Lesson 3: Myths vs. Legends vs. Folktales

   • Understanding the distinctions and overlaps among these forms of storytelling.

4. Lesson 4: Functions of Mythology

   • Discuss psychological, social, and historical functions of myths.

5. Lesson 5: Introduction to Greek Mythology

   • Overview of Greek mythology, key deities, and significant myths.

Module 2: Greek Mythology (Lessons 6-10)

6. Lesson 6: Creation Myths in Greece

   • The Theogony of Hesiod and the origins of the Greek pantheon.

7. Lesson 7: Major Greek Myths

   • Study of myths such as Prometheus, Pandora, and the Twelve Labors of Heracles.

8. Lesson 8: The Nature of Fate and Free Will

   • Exploration of fate's role in Greek mythology, focusing on characters like Oedipus.

9. Lesson 9: Analyzing Greek Tragedies

   • Introduction to Greek dramas and their mythological underpinnings.

10. Lesson 10: The Legacy of Greek Mythology

    • Impact on Western literature, art, and modern storytelling.

Module 3: Norse Mythology (Lessons 11-15)

11. Lesson 11: Introduction to Norse Mythology

    • Overview of the Norse pantheon and the concept of Yggdrasil.

12. Lesson 12: Key Deities and Myths

    • Study of major figures like Odin, Thor, Freyja, and their stories.

13. Lesson 13: Ragnarok and Norse Cosmology

    • Discussion of Norse end-times myths and their significance.

14. Lesson 14: The Role of Myth in Norse Society

    • Impact of myths on the Viking Age and its culture.

15. Lesson 15: Norse Mythology in Modern Media

    • Exploration of how Norse myths have influenced contemporary literature and films.

Module 4: Native American Mythology (Lessons 16-20)

16. Lesson 16: Introduction to Native American Mythology

    • Overview of diverse traditions and beliefs among Native American cultures.

17. Lesson 17: Creation Stories and Themes

    • Examination of various creation myths and their implications on culture.

18. Lesson 18: Mythical Beings and Trickster Figures

    • The role of figures like Coyote and Spider Woman in Native American lore.

19. Lesson 19: Oral Tradition and Storytelling

    • Understanding the importance of oral traditions in preserving mythology.

20. Lesson 20: Contemporary Relevance of Native Myths

    • Analyzing contemporary Native American literature and its mythological roots.

Module 5: African Mythology (Lessons 21-25)

21. Lesson 21: Overview of African Mythology

    • Exploration of the plurality within African myths across different regions.

22. Lesson 22: Creation Myths in Africa

    • Analysis of common themes and narratives in African creation myths.

23. Lesson 23: Role of Ancestors and Spirits

    • Understanding the significance of ancestors in African cultural practices.

24. Lesson 24: Mythology and Identity

    • Discussion on how myth shapes African identities and worldviews.

25. Lesson 25: African Mythology in Literature

    • Examination of African literature influenced by mythological themes.

Module 6: Irish Mythology (Lessons 26-30)

26. Lesson 26: Introduction to Irish Mythology

    • Overview of the Tuatha Dé Danann and the mythological cycles.

27. Lesson 27: Key Figures and Legends

    • Exploration of famous characters such as Cú Chulainn and the Dagda.

28. Lesson 28: Nature and Environment in Irish Myths

    • The relationship between myths and Ireland’s geographical landscape.

29. Lesson 29: Myth and National Identity

    • Analysis of how Irish mythology played a role in national identity formation.

30. Lesson 30: Modern Innovations of Irish Myths

    • Discussion of contemporary adaptations and references in modern literature.

Module 7: Comparative Mythology (Lessons 31-35)

31. Lesson 31: Themes Across Myths

    • Analysis of universal themes present in various cultural mythologies.

32. Lesson 32: Archetypes and Symbolism

    • Introduction to archetypes in mythology and their literary significance.

33. Lesson 33: Comparative Analysis Projects

    • Students will create projects comparing two or more myths from different cultures.

34. Lesson 34: The Role of Women in Mythologies

    • Examination of female figures in myths and their societal roles.

35. Lesson 35: Impact of Mythology on Modern Society

    • Discussion on how ancient myths influence contemporary beliefs and narratives.

Module 8: Creative Expression and Assessment (Lessons 36-40)

36. Lesson 36: Creative Writing Based on Mythology

    • Students will compose their own myths or reinterpret existing ones.

37. Lesson 37: Performance of Myths

    • Group presentations or performances of selected myths.

38. Lesson 38: Mythology and Visual Arts

    • Explore how mythology has influenced visual arts (painting, sculpture, film).

39. Lesson 39: Course Review and Preparation for Assessments

    • Review key themes, characters, and concepts covered in the course.

40. Lesson 40: Final Assessment and Reflection

    • Students will present their final projects and reflections on their learning.

References

• Campbell, Joseph. The Hero with a Thousand Faces. Princeton University Press, 2008.
• Hesiod. Theogony. Translated by Richard Lattimore. University of Chicago Press, 1959.
• Leeming, David. Myth: A Biography of Belief. Oxford University Press, 1995.
• McCarthy, Susan. Irish Mythology and Folklore. Glimmerglass Publishing, 2019.
• Ngugi wa Thiong'o. Decolonising the Mind: The Politics of Language in African Literature. James Currey, 1986.
• Sturluson, Snorri. The Prose Edda. Translated by Jesse Byock. Penguin Classics, 2005.

This structured course plan establishes a thorough foundation for studying the various dimensions of mythology, offering students a chance to engage deeply with the material while developing their critical thinking and analytical skills in English literature.