Summer, 2000
James J. Dillon
 

Course Description

The psychoanalyst C.G. Jung contrasts two modes of thought which he believed characterized the modem psyche. The first is a sense-based, scientific mode that insists on logical argument and empirical support for truth claims. The second is a soul-based, intuitive outlook that expresses itself in the “artistic” language of myth and symbol. In this course, I want to explore the notion that the psyche is not fully understood with the tools of science, the first mode of thought, but is better illuminated by the second: the tools of literature, mythology and religion. Further, I want to argue that the structure of modem existence involves us in the over-development of the analytical component of the psyche and a concomitant withering, fallow, mythical psyche. In other words, most modem individuals have lost the capacity to think mythically and symbolically. This over-development directly leads to the psychological distress and spiritual alienation that are the very hallmarks of modernity. Jung believed that it was impossible to live a contented life without being able to tap into the mythic dimension of existence. Thus, the mythical and the symbolic might just hold a great deal of therapeutic and developmental potential. My hope is that by stepping into the mythical and symbolic world over the course of the semester, we can share in its radiance and transformative power, and thus be healed, centered.
 

Text

We will be using several books for this course. We will be reading the philosopher Ernst Cassirer’s Language and Myth, as well as Sherab Kohn’s The Awakened One: A Life of the Buddha, and George Lucas’ Star Wars. We will also be reading several myths such as Prometheus Bound, Oedipus the King, and the story of Jesus. These will be on reserve in the library.
 

Course Format and Your Role

This course will be a mix of lecture, class discussions, group problem-solving activities, and video presentations. The course, and your performance in it will be optimal if you prepare for class by doing assigned readings, come to class, and have at least one question on your mind before you sit down for a lecture.
 

Course Objectives

1. An appreciation of the “mythic” and “literary” character of the mind, as well as the symbolic nature of our everyday lives.
2. An appreciation of the close relationship between literary studies and psychology, particularly how myth and symbol structure our knowledge and experience.
3. The ability to analyze and understand literary texts and imaginative writings from a psychological point of view.
4. The ability to employ critical thinking, that is, the challenging of sources, evaluation of ideas, and integration of diverse findings into a coherent and well-thought out point of view.
 

Grading, Requirements & Assignments

Now onto business. Your grade will be based upon your performance on several assignments. You will be writing a five-page essay on one of the theoretical topics that we discuss in the first part of the class. In writing the paper, you should formulate, with me, a question that you are passionately interested in. The first half of the paper should be an exposition on how the writer in question would answer this question. Obviously, quotes from the text would be required. The last half is your opportunity to say how you answer this question and why you think/feel the way you do. You will also be writing a five-page analysis of one of the myths that we will read. It will have the same structure as the above-mentioned paper. I will go into much more detail over the semester as to just what is expected and how to write such a paper. I strongly suggest going to the Writing Center in the Humanities Building for help. If you bring me written documentation that you have done so, I will give you extra credit on the paper.
For your “final exam,” you will be composing your own myth. The myth itself should be about four pages. You should also include a four-page “analysis” of the myth’s meaning, i.e., how your story elements “stand for” certain developmental and psychological issues. I will discuss this process in much greater detail over the course of the semester as well. The key to success in this class is to do the readings as assigned and not to get behind. Finally, I do “count” attendance and class participation. All in all, here is the breakdown of your grade out of 100 points:

1st paper 2O pts.
2nd paper 2O pts.
Fairy Tale 35 pts
Attendance & participation 25 pts.
 

Class Schedule

 6/12 Welcome & Introductions
 6/13 What Is a Myth? May, pp. 15-62 (reserve)
 6/14 Myth & Culture, Cassirer, pp. 1-23
 6/15 Language and Concepts, Cassirer, pp.23-62
 6/16 Myth, Metaphor, & Religion, Cassirer, pp. 62-99
 6/19    The Myth of the Hero, Campbell, pp. 3-46 (reserve)
 6/20      Prometheus Bound (reserve)  ***1st Paper Due***
 6/21     Oedipus the King (reserve)
 6/22     The Power of the Oedipus Complex      Engel, pp. xv-52
 6/23     The Jesus Myth, film—The Last Temptation of Christ
 6/26     Christ as Symbol of the Self Jung, pp. 36-7 1
 6/27 The Buddha Myth, Kohn, pp. 1-75
 6/28 The Buddha Myth, Kohn, pp. 77-152
 6/29 Star Wars, Lucas, pp. 3-57
 6/30 Star Wars, Lucas, pp. 57-125   ****2nd Paper Due****
 7/3 Star Wars, Lucas, pp. 126-179
 7/5 Star Wars (the movie)
Summary and Conclusions