World Mythologies

This course looks at myths from Africa, the Americas, ancient Greece, Rome, Egypt, and compares them with stories from Celtic, Germanic, and Norse traditions.

You’ll explore how myths and history influence each other. From legends to fairy tales, you’ll see how these stories shape the way people think about the past and how they’re linked to culture.

You’ll learn how scholars like Heinrich Schliemann and Sir Arthur Evans linked archaeological evidence to mythic narratives through battles between giants and kings across different cultures.

The course also looks at how myths reflect people’s customs and beliefs, especially in stories about fertility. You’ll explore anthropological, psychological and sociobiological ideas that help explain supposed deeper meanings of myths, such as family themes and universal symbols.

Any essential or recommended reading will be shared by the course teacher once the course is confirmed to run. You will require access to a device with an internet connection. 

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course, you should be able to:

• Describe the cultural significance of myth, identifying recurring motifs in contemporary texts, media, and modern storytelling;
• Examine modern approaches to myth, from psychoanalytic theories to current narratological techniques, assessing how these perspectives have shaped our understanding of myths;
• Discuss the processes of myth-making and how these methods influence the creation and interpretation of myths today. 

No previous experience is required.

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be aged 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s accessible and inclusive learning policy.

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support. 

This course is suitable for those with no prior experience of university study.

You will need to have reading, listening and communication skills, including the ability to understand detailed ideas and information presented verbally and in writing. You must be comfortable learning in English if it is not your first language. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Please note that the course booking deadline is 8 days before the course start date.