HST149 - Joseph Campbell - Transformations of Myth Through Time

Joseph Campbell - Transformations of Myth Through Time
HST 149 Cultural History

Lane Community College
4000 East 30th Avenue
Eugene, OR 97405

Term Fall 2000
Registration Numbers #21310 Main Campus
#21499 Florence
#21440 Cottage Grove
Instructional Department Social Science/Business Administration Division
Department Office Phone Numbers Office (541) 747-4501 extension 2427
Fax (541) 744-4160
Distance Learning Department
Phone Numbers
Office (541) 726-2260
Fax (541) 744-3974
Instructor Joe Escobar
Class Web Site http://slimac.lanecc.edu/users/escobarj
Office Phone (541) 747-4501 extension 2581
Email escobarj@lanecc.edu
Office CEN442 (4th floor, Center Building)
Office Hours By appointment
Class Orientation Wednesday, September 27, 2000 from 5:00-6:00 pm in Forum Bldg. Room #308
Required Texts
  • Lord et al (Eds.) Study Guide - Joseph Campbell: Transformations of Myth Through Time
  • Eisenberg et al (Eds.) Transformations of Myth Through Time: Anthology of Readings
Optional Text
  • Joseph Campbell: Transformations of Myth Through Time
    (This is essentially a written transcript of the videos)
Course Description
From "Preface to Students" in the Student Study Guide
You are setting out on a very exciting experience, for you are going to learn a great deal about the mythologies that human beings have created over the long span of our development from a man who made the study of those mythologies his life's work. What makes Joseph Campbell particularly captivating is his ability to make those mythologies, many of them from very early periods of human culture, relevant to the lives of people living in the midst of the complexities of twentieth-century civilization. As you will see throughout the Joseph Campbell: Transformations of Myth Through Time television course, he can do this because those myths, for him, were not merely stories and images to be studied, but fascinating revelations of human needs and potentials belonging to people in every age. Furthermore, he has the gift of making accessible to his students the inner experience of each of the mythic system he discusses.
Course Learning Objectives

Upon completion of this course, students should:

  • Understand how myths have been transformed through a myriad of cultures throughout time.
  • Understand the relationships among myth, religion, and culture.
  • Recognize the underlying similarities of human cultures as well as the wide range of variations.
  • Recognize and appreciate that there are many equally valid myths and religions and that there have been throughout history.
  • Gain a broad cross-cultural background against which to view modern myths, cultures, and religions.
  • Understand myths as reflections of both universal and ethnic ideas.
  • Develop a heightened awareness of various religions, both within our own culture and in the rest of the world.
  • Receive an introduction to thoughts and symbols from significant mythologies which can provide background for the study of literature, music, and art.
Instructor Contact

I am accessible via phone, fax, email, voicemail, or in person at scheduled appointments. Although not required for the course, you will find that having access to the internet and email will be extremely helpful, since I check my email multiple times each day, weekends included. Since this is a distance course, I encourage you to utilize this technology. My job is to help make this a successful experience for you. You will find that I enjoy helping my students.
(I will explain how to get internet access and a web-based email account, absolutely free and at no cost to you, at the end of our on-campus orientation session or at some other time, if you'd like to make arrangements.)

I expect that all students will join the class listserv (you must have an email address to do this) which is on the class website.

Here are the steps:

  1. Click the Class Newsgroup, Listserv, and Chat link on the homepage
  2. Click New User (near the bottom)
  3. Add appropriate information in required fields
  4. Click Create (at the bottom)
  5. Click More (at the top)
  6. Click Mailing Lists
  7. Check appropriate list (hst149)
  8. Click Save
  9. Click Logoff (you are finished)
Grading Criteria Grades

Your grade in this course will be based on the following:

Midterm Exam 30%
Final Exam 30%
Written Assignment #1 20%
Written Assignment #2 20%

TOTAL 100%

  Letter Grades will be as follows:
A+= 100% A=93%-99% A-=90%-92%
B+=87%-89% B=83%-86% B-=80%-82%
C+=77%-79% C=73%-76% C-=70%-72%
D+=67%-69% D=63%-66% D-=60%-62%
F=<60%
Getting Your Grades

Students grades will be available on the class website on the internet. Grades will be listed by the last 4 digits of your phone number in a non-alpha sort. Written Assignments will be mailed back to you. If you would like to receive your grade information in another manner, please contact your instructor.
Exams The non-comprehensive Midterm and Final Exams will be objective, meaning they will consist of multiple choice questions, true/false, matching, fill-in, etc. Each exam will have between 50 and 100 questions. Most students will complete an exam in one hour, although you may have as much time as you need. You will have a one week window in which to take each exam. There are no make-up exams. See the calendar below.

The exams will be given on LCC's Main Campus in CEN 423C, the Written Testing Lab. Be sure to bring a photo ID and a #2 pencil.

IMPORTANT - Although exams may also be taken in any of the LCC Outreach Centers (Florence or Cottage Grove) or the Community Learning Centers (Churchill, Elmira, Junction City, McKenzie, Oakridge, Thurston, Willamette), students will need to make arrangements with the instructor at least two weeks in advance. These completed exams must be in the instructor's hands by 5:00 pm on the last testing day. Therefore, these exams will need to be taken early in order that they arrive on time at the instructor's office for grading.
Written Assignments

The Written Assignments will be subjective essays based on questions in the student study guide. They are to be typed (double-spaced), spell-checked, and proofread, and be from 2 to 4 pages long.

Each paper will have a cover page that must include the following information (1 inch from the top, left justified) in this order (including spaces):

Student Name

HST 149 Joseph Campbell Telecourse
Written Assigment #1 (or #2)

Page # - Question #
Retype the entire question here

Grade on paper = _____ / 100

Spelling
Grammar
Answer the question(s)
Reading material
Video material
Other evidence

Instructor Comments:

(Substitute your specific information for the italicized information.)

You MUST incorporate both personal/outside and course/video/reading information into you responses to receive a decent grade. Students will be able to choose which questions they would like to answer from the ASSIGNMENTS FOR STUDY, WRITING, AND ANALYSIS section of the student study guide.

For Written Assignment #1 (choose ONE question from any of the following)

  • Page 9 Questions 2,4,6
  • Page 23 Questions 1,4,5,6
  • Page 36 Question 2,3,4
  • Page 48 Questions 3,5,6
  • Page 62 Questions 2,5
  • Page 74 Questions 1,2
  • Page 86 Questions 3,6

For Written Assignment #2 (choose ONE question from any of the following)

  • Page 96 Questions 4,5
  • Page 108 Questions 2,4
  • Page 119 Question 3,5
  • Page 131 Questions 1,3,5
  • Page 144 Questions 2,5,6
  • Page 157 Questions 2,5
  • Page 169 Questions 3,4,5

The most difficult task required of any instructor is that of grading papers. Although the purpose of this assignment is not to grade papers on spelling and grammar, problems in these areas can only detract from the readability and enjoyment of the paper, not to mention the lack of care or proofreading they illustrate. You do not want me to be proofreading your papers. You want me to be reading your best work and best effort. Therefore, I urge you to seek assistance if writing is not one of your strengths. For help, other than your instructor, you should contact the Counseling/Advising Center, the Study Skills Learning Center, The Writing Center, the English Department, and the Library staff.

Combined, these papers are nearly one half of your grade in this class (40%), more than each of the exams. Consider what you are required to do in order to adequately prepare for just one of these exams, such as reading hundreds of pages of text and watching several hours of video. This should give you an indication of the effort I am looking for in the written assignment.

In summary:

  • Proofread your papers
  • Do not plagiarize. Violators will be punished to the furthest extent of LCC's academic honesty code
  • Written Assignment #1 is due Friday, October 27, 2000 by 5:00 pm.
  • Written Assignment #2 is due Friday, December 8, 2000 by 5:00 pm.

IMPORTANT - The papers are due, in the instructor's hands, by 5:00 pm. You may fax, email, or drop off the paper in person. Students will have five (5) weeks to complete each paper; therefore, no late papers will be accepted. See the calendar below.

Extra Credit A failing student cannot pass the course by doing extra credit work. Extra credit may ONLY influence a borderline final grade (not the grade on each exam or assignment). For example, students may use extra credit to go from a D+ to a C- or from a B+ to an A-. Students interested in extra credit MUST contact the instructor ON OR BEFORE Friday, October 13, 2000, the end of the third week of class.
Optional Review and Discussion Sessions An optional review session will be held before each exam. Contact your instructor if you plan to attend.
Review Session #1 - Monday, October 30, 2000 - 3-4pm
Review Session #2 - Monday, December 11, 2000 - 3-4pm
Meet at instructors office, CEN442.
Environment for View Video Tapes
  • Videos are available for term-long loan from the LCC Library.
  • You may also view the videos while at the library in their media section. Check with the Reference Desk in the Library for additional information

All videos must be viewed thoughtfully and critically, and only after you have completed the appropriate preparation outlined in the student study guide, especially the vocabulary/glossary section. The videos do NOT treat you like a newcomer to the subject matter. In fact, Campbell expects you to know quite a bit about history, geography, religion, etc. before you even "come to his class". You may find yourself pausing the videos and rewinding in certain places to hear and see something again. You may consider watching them a number of times or purchasing the optional text in the bookstore which is essentially a transcript of the videos. You may even agree or disagree with what Campbell says, or be reminded of a similar experience in your own life which supports or contradicts a concept he presents. Your personal involvement with the subject matter will undoubtedly make this challenging class a more enjoyable experience for you. Questions? Do not hesitate to contact me.

Withdrawal Procedure See page titled FALL TERM 2000 TELECOURSE DETAILS
Examinations The last day to make schedule changes is Friday, November 17, 2000. This includes changing from a grade to a pass/no pass option or dropping the class without it appearing on your transcript. You will have your first written assignment and midterm exam grades back by this date in order for you to make a more informed decision in this regard.

See page titled FALL TERM 2000 TELECOURSE DETAILS
Students With Disabilities Lane Community College promotes equal opportunities for students with disabilities. If you have a disability or need any assistance, please notify your instructor and make and appointment immediately with Disability Services (CEN217, 747-4501 ext. 2150)
Outreach Center Information Students enrolling in telecourses offered through LCC Outreach Centers will be registered under separate registration numbers.

#21499 Florence
#21440 Cottage Grove

Video materials are available at the outreach centers for registered students.

IMPORTANT - The calendar of assignments and exams is the same for Main Campus and Outreach Center students. The term paper and exams must be RECEIVED by 5:00 pm on the deadline day.

The calendar of assignments and exams is the same for Main Campus and Outreach Center students. For Outreach Center hours of operation, see page titled FALL TERM 2000 TELECOURSE DETAILS
Student Assignment Calendar Remember, there are no make-up exams and late term papers are not accepted.
See the calendar below for deadlines.
Other Details

You are STRONGLY encouraged to complete readings, viewing, and assignments in the order recommended in the study guide. Simply put:

  1. Read the study guide BEFORE viewing the corresponding video.
  2. Take notes in a journal. Write questions and reactions.
  3. Watch the video.
  4. Take notes in a journal. Write questions and reactions.
  5. Read all of the associated anthology readings for the particular unit.
  6. Take notes in a journal. Write questions and reactions.
  7. Complete appropriate Written Assignment (if applicable).

Exams will be based primarily on the following sources:

  1. Study Guide POINTS TO WATCH FOR IN THE TELEVISION PROGRAM
  2. Videos
  3. Study Guide POINTS TO LOOK FOR IN THE ANTHOLOGY OF READINGS
  4. Anthology of Readings
  5. Study Guide UNIT GLOSSARY
  6. Study Guide UNIT ESSAY


Calendar of Events

Week 1 Class Orientation - Main Campus - Wednesday, September 27, 2000 from 5-6p.m. in FORUM BLDG, ROOM #308
Sign up on the class listserv at http://slimac.lanecc.edu/users/escobarj

The Hero's Journey - The World of Joseph Campbell (Program 1)

Reading Assighments
from the Anthology

pp.2-26

Week 2 LAST DAY FOR FULL REFUND - Friday, Oct 6, 2000

In The Beginning (Program 2)

pp.47-54

Week 3 Where People Lived Legends (Program 3)

pp.68-75
pp.84-102

Week 4 And We Washed Our Weapons in the Sea (Program 4)
Pharaoh's Rule (Program 5)

pp.108-118
pp.132-152

Week 5 The Sacred Source (Program 6)
The Way to Enlightenment: Buddhism (Program 7)

***Written Assignment #1 DUE Friday, October 27, 2000 at 5:00pm

pp.159-169
pp.176-194
pp.196-203
pp.225-229

Week 6 Optional Exam Student Study Group Monday, October 30, 2000 from 3-4pm

***Midterm Exam - Take between Monday, Oct 30 - Friday, Nov 3
Written Testing Center - CEN423C
Monday - Thursday 10am-8pm
Friday 10am-5pm

 

Week 7 From Id to the Ego in the Orient: Kudalini Yoga, Part One (Program 8)
From Psychology to Spirituality: Kundalini Yoga, Part Two (Program 9)

Veterans Day Holiday - NO CLASSES FRIDAY, NOV 10, 2000

pp. 238-245
pp. 278-283

Week 8 The Descent to Heaven: The Tibetan Book of the Dead (Program 10)
From Darkness to Light (Program 11)

LAST DAY FOR ALL SCHEDULE CHANGES - NOV 17, 2000

pp. 296-306
pp. 314-317
pp. 344-356

Week 9 Where There Was No Path (Program 12)
Thanksgiving Holiday - NO CLASSES THURSDAY & FRIDAY, NOV 23-24, 2000

pp. 389-403

Week 10 A Nobel Heart (Program 13)

pp. 416-436
pp. 444-449

Week 11 In Search of the Holy Grail (Program 14)

***Written Assignment #2 DUE Friday, December 8, 2000 at 5:00pm

pp. 452-492

Finals Week Optional Exam Student Study Group Monday, December 11, 2000 from 3-4pm

***Final Exam - Take between Monday, Dec 11 - Thursday, Dec 14
Written Testing Center - CEN423C
Monday - Wednesday 10am-8pm
Thursday 10am-5pm
Friday CLOSED

 

Winter Break Enjoy your break.

 

Please direct comments regarding this page to Joe Escobar.
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