Week 1: Introduction to Myth: Narratives, and Counternarratives
Weekly tasks
Task #1: Write down all lexicon words and definition in your notebook. Be sure to number them (i.e., Lexicon #1, Lexicon #2, etc.).
Task #2: Read, annotate, and discuss Jonathan Bignell's "Myth."
Task #3: Read either Adam and Eve or the story of Prometheus and Pandora's Box.
Task #4: Read both versions of Medusa (Ovid's telling and Carol Ann Duffy's counternarrative poem).
Task #5: Read both versions of Orpheus and Eurydice (both the original telling and Margaret Atwood's counternarrative poem).
Task #6: Complete Notebook entry #1.
Table of Content (click a link!)
Monday the 16th
Lexicon #1: Myth
Definition: A traditional story that often explains the history of a group of people or reasons behind natural events or social customs. It can also refer to a belief or idea that many people accept, even though it's not true.
"Myth" by Jonathan Bignell
The Reading
Myth by Jonathan Bignell with Footnotes.docx"The Dangerous Ways Ads See Women" by Jean Kilbourne
The Dangerous Ways Ads See Women by Jean Kilbourne.mp4Example of harmful advertisements or product images: Battleship box from 1967
Tuesday the 17th
Lexicon #2: Narrative
Definition: A narrative is how storytelling can shape facts and influence how we see the world. It’s not just an idea or a simple story but a tool used to shape people’s views and relationships in society. Because of this, myths can blend into reality and affect how we see ourselves, others, and life in general.
Choose one creation myth to read and dissect!
Adam and Eve (Genesis 2-3)
Genesis 2-3 Adam and Eve.docxPrometheus and Pandora's Box
The Story of Prometheus and Pandora's Box.docxBonus Content!
Misogyny (a misogynist, to be misogynistic): Behaviors, attitudes, hatred or prejudice against women that fosters stereotypes of social roles based on sex, typically exhibited by men.
Misandry (a misandrist, to be misandristic): Behaviors, attitudes, hatred or prejudice against men that fosters stereotypes of social roles based on sex, typically exhibited by women.
See the video for an example of misogynistic beliefs.
Example of misogyny
Misogyny by MindofMusic.mp4Wednesday the 18th
Medusa
Lexicon #3: Counternarrative
Definition: Stories that challenge the dominant ideas in society, especially those that leave out or silence certain voices. They offer different perspectives and are often used to fight for change and justice.
Lexicon #4: Objectification, to objectify
Definition: Objectification happens when someone is treated as less than human, reduced to an object, and stripped of their individuality and control. While it can happen to anyone, it’s more common and socially accepted for women, affecting how they’re seen and valued in society.
Two versions of Medusa (Ovid and Duffy)
The Story of Medusa's Head by Ovid and Medusa by Carol Ann Duffy.docxTraditional Narrative (from Clash of the Titans)
Clash of the Titans - Medusa Scene.mp4Counternarrative (from an ad for Amazon)
Medusa makes friends by Amazon.mp4Thursday the 19th
Orpheus and Eurydice
Video summary of the myth
The tragic myth of Orpheus and Eurydice by Brendan Pelsue.mp4The Reading (Traditional narrative)
Orpheus and Eurydice Myth.docxThe Reading (Counternarrative)
Eurydice by Margaret Atwood.docxBonus Content!
The legendary playwright William Shakespeare also wrote about Orpheus, whose music was so powerful that it could charm not only people but animals, trees, and inanimate objects. It's short but worthy of discussion! Pay attention to what bows to him and then think about Orpheus and Eurydice's love! Beyond Orpheus himself, many read this poem as an example of how powerful music is as it can heal and move us in mysterious ways.
Bonus Content!
Here are some local Shanghainese pieces by Shang, using art as a vehicle to comment or criticize specific societal norms. Shang's works are filled with symbols, so keep your eyes peeled and read into images!
Friday the 20th
Notebook Entry #1: Are Myths Innocent?
11 Notebook Entry 1 Are Myths Innocent.docx