Welcome to Multicultural Myths and Legends

Overview

The Course This course engages students in the careful reading and critical analysis of imaginative literature.  The approach of the class is based on the works of Carl Jung and Joseph Campbell.  Through the close reading of selected texts, students deepen their understanding of the ways myths and legends infuse the world in which we live. As they read, students consider a work’s structure, style, and themes as well as such smaller-scale elements as the use of figurative language, imagery, symbolism, and tone.  Additionally, the course provides a continuation of the study of grammar, diction, effective sentence structure, tone, voice, coherence, generalizations, specific evidence, and logical essay organizational structure. 

The course also enhances the students' use of technology through web based research and discussion assignments on Google Classroom.  Additionally, there will be four group film projects.

Class Policies

Students are expected to behave like young adults and be responsible.  Additionally, these are specific rules which apply to the class.
  1. No Late Work is Accepted
  2. If a student is absent, the student must email any work due the day of the absence to Mr. Ricketts before the end of the day, or it is late and not accepted.  ericketts@ycusd.org
  3. Students should seek solutions not problems.
  4. No food or drink (water ok).
  5. PRIDE Policies

Grades

Grade breakdown:

  1. Activity                           15%
  2. Essay/Discussions         25%
  3. Projects/Presentation     20%
  4. Timed Writes                  25%
  5. Tests/Quizzes                 15%

Contact Information

Picture
email: ericketts@ycusd.org
phone:  530-822-2500

Major Projects & Readings

The major projects include:

  • Four Film Projects
  • Five Timed Writes
  • Four Online Discussions
  • Two Formal Research Essays

(This may change depending on pedagogical necessity.)


Some of the works we will study include:
  • "The Allegory of the Cave" by Plato
  • Oedipus Rex by Sophocles
  • Macbeth by Shakespeare
  • Hamlet by Shakespeare
  • "The Wife of Bath" by Geoffrey Chaucer
  • "A Modest Proposal" by Jonathan Swift
  • The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde
  • Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw
  • The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams
  • Fences by August Wilson
  • Frankenstein by Mary Shelley