ENGH 316: Topics in Myth and Literature

ENGH 316-001: The Ramayana:Lives of Ind Epic
(Fall 2020)

12:00 PM to 01:15 PM T

Thompson Hall - Hybrid

Section Information for Fall 2020

Welcome to the Ramayana: one of the most influential poetic epics in all of Asian literature. Described aptly by some scholars as “haunting,” it has enchanted, puzzled, delighted and disturbed audiences for thousands of years. In this course, while reading translations from Valmiki’s Sanskrit Ramayana as a kind of baseline, we’ll keep in mind the idea that the story is always already multiple, both in the many, many versions it exists in, and in the ways it can and has been read—as poem, as religious or philosophical manifesto, as political analysis, etc. The Ramayana might read to you as a baffling tragedy, or as a complex exploration of ethics; or simply as a pure, wild subliminal fantasy. Our main work over the semester will be to plunge into the various world of this epic, slowly get used to it, learn to enjoy it and find ways to talk about it.  By the end of the course, you'll also get a chance to produce your own creative work inspired by something in the epic!  

ENGH 316-001 is distance-learning course with one synchronous meeting per week. Students should expect to be online during the scheduled meeting time.

Tags:

Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Studies how traditional mythologies are reflected in English and American literature and other texts as themes, motifs, and patterns. Notes: May be repeated when topic is different. May be repeated within the term for a maximum 6 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: Satisfaction of University requirements in 100-level English and in Mason Core literature.
Schedule Type: Lec/Sem #1, Lec/Sem #2, Lec/Sem #3, Lec/Sem #4, Lec/Sem #5, Lec/Sem #6, Lec/Sem #7, Lec/Sem #8, Lec/Sem #9, Lecture, Sem/Lec #10, Sem/Lec #11, Sem/Lec #12, Sem/Lec #13, Sem/Lec #14, Sem/Lec #15, Sem/Lec #16, Sem/Lec #17, Sem/Lec #18
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

The University Catalog is the authoritative source for information on courses. The Schedule of Classes is the authoritative source for information on classes scheduled for this semester. See the Schedule for the most up-to-date information and see Patriot web to register for classes.