What understandings of myth are available to you? Where is myth in contemporary writing and film? How is myth present in your work as an artist? What can you know about-how can you use-trickster's disruptive imagination? In this seminar, a wide range of myths and mythic figures are featured, from the Mayan Popol Vuh to the Laguna's creation story, from the Greeks' Hermes to the West Indians' Anansi. The term "myth" itself will be examined from a variety of cultural perspectives, highlighting its use as a record of a cosmic relationship, vehicle for entertainment, or carrier of historical truth. The course format will include discussion, as well as critical and creative thinking, writing, and viewing activities. Additionally, one project requires students to present research on myths in their own artwork. Primary texts will likely include: Robert Barclay's novel Melal, Gene Luen Yang's graphic novel American Born Chinese, Leslie Marmon Silko's novel Ceremony, Lewis Hyde's critical work Trickster Makes This World, "Faust" directed by Jan Svankmajer.

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