APPLIED MYTHOLOGY
In cultures that disparage both fantasy and storytelling, myths are seen as either lies or worn-out explanations for natural events. The original mythmakers knew better, though. They told sacred stories packed with useful truths about our existence: about who we are, why we are here, where we are headed.
In this course, we start by looking at myth as a form of collective psychology, a form amenable to exploration with the tools of deep psychology. We then consider the various theories and definitions of myth, equipping ourselves with the tools we will need for working with the stories themselves as retold by me in the book Myths Among Us: When Timeless Tales Return to Life. The draft copy of that book is included in this course. With it we will go story by story and culture by culture all over the world, inquiring into what these tales can tell us about ourselves, our relationships, our families, community life, and much more.
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Included in the course:
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13-modules
14.5 hours of audio lecture
The book Myths Among Us, by Craig Chalquist, PhD
Exercises to try out for deepening into the material
Real-life examples of how to apply the ideas and practices
Resource recommendations for further study
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The material was developed from classes I’ve taught to undergrads and graduate students in university settings.
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The modules are:
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Introduction to Myth (and Depth)
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Consciousness and Creation Stories
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Family Ties
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Love and Loss
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The Archetype of Initiation
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Personal Myth
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The Heroic Journey
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The Post-Heroic Journey
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Tricksters
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Justice and Community
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Nature and Earth
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Apocalypse and Renewal
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Modern Myths