An understanding of myth is important because, despite all of our modern reliance on science and our emphasis on the individual, the power of myth continues to express itself in our culture. Western civilization is rooted in the myths of Sumeria, Babylon, Israel, Egypt, Germany, Britain, and many other peoples. Our literature begins in myth and incorporates the images and ideals of myth in our poetry and our novels, in popular works of science fiction, fantasy, romance, and horror, and in pop culture from Spiderman to Tolkien.

It is through myth, that humanity reaches out to what is beyond knowing, beyond understanding, to eternity, to infinity, and to all that makes us human. At some point in all our lives, we find ourselves face to face with the questions that have plagued humanity since the beginning of time. Like Gilgamesh, we may resist death and seek immortality. Like Achilles, we may anguish for the death of a friend. Like Hector we may have to risk our lives to protect our country. Like Coyote, we may find ourselves victims of our own cleverness. These stories speak to us because they reflect our common human nature.

The study of myth also crosses the humanities, intersecting psychology, sociology, anthropology, ethnology, archaeology, philosophy, religion, linguistics, history, and literature. Myth can be, and is, studied from each of these disciplines. The study of myth allows students to see these connections. Students, also, bring to the class their own experiences and expertise, whether from past academic studies, from participation in a religious environment, from personal hobbies and entertainment (for instance, participating in online gaming), or through their observations of the presence of myth in everyday life.

In this class, our primary focus will be on myth as it reveals the commonalities of human culture, and the consequences and implications of mythology on an understanding of literature. But in our discussions and explorations of myth, students should feel free to explore and share the many other manifestations of myth in our lives.