HUM 105 Week 1 Individual Assignment Foundations of Mythology Short Answers

HUM 105 Week 1 Individual Assignment Foundations of Mythology Short Answers | University Of Phoenix 

HUM 105 Week 1 Individual Assignment Foundations of Mythology Short Answers

Write 150- to 200-word responses to each of the following:

· How is the word myth used popularly? For example, what does the statement, “It’s a myth” mean? In contrast, how is the word myth used in the academic context? After considering the definition in your textbooks and course materials, write a definition in your own words.

· Why do myths from different cultures around the world address such similar or universal themes? Think about how myths explain the unknown and the tribulations of mankind.

· What is the relationship between belief, knowledge, mythology, and religion? Where do mythology and religion intersect? Where do they diverge? Think about the function of myth and religion in helping human beings cope with change, suffering, loss, and death.

· How would you defend mythology’s relevance in contemporary culture? Think about familial and cultural traditions. Also, consider how mythology is used in the arts and in advertising to typify human experience.

Format your citations and references consistent with APA guidelines


HUM 105 Week 1 DQS 

DQ 1

How are myths, fables, legends, and tall tales different from one another and how are they similar?


DQ 2

Compare the myths in your everyday life with classical or ancient myths. Do you think myths play the same role in your life that these classical or ancient myths played in the lives of people in ancient times? Explain why or why not.


DQ 3

How do myths relate to truth?

DQ 4

Think of historical American stories, such as the first Thanksgiving turkey dinner, George Washington chopping down a cherry tree, or Davy Crockett killing a bear at 3 years old. Are these stories myths, legends, fairy tales, or something else? What, if anything, about these accounts is literally true? How do these accounts inform our conceptions of Thanksgiving, George Washington, Davy Crockett, or others you have thought of?



HUM 105 Week 2 Individual Assignment Cosmic Creation Myths Across Cultures Paper

Write a 700- to 1,050-word paper about two creation myths that address the following:

· Pick at least two creation myths from two different cultures. For ideas, refer to this week’s readings and the myths section of the Big Myths website for animated presentations of many creation myths.

· Which world or worlds, such as sky, earth, and underworld, are represented in the myths you chose? What are the elements of these worlds?

· Describe the creators. Are the creators male or female, and of what significance is gender? Describe what they created, including the steps or cycles of creation. Also, include descriptions of any destroyers or destruction if applicable.

· Include the role of cosmic occurrences or natural phenomena, such as celestial bodies, floods, rain, wind, and fire.

· Compare the creators, creations, the steps or cycle of creation, and the cosmic elements of the two myths. What are the similarities and differences?

Format your citations and references consistent with APA guidelines


HUM 105 Week 2 DQS 

DQ 1

Myths often explain the origins of evil, suffering, death, and what sustains life. Yet many of these myths are not literally true: they are not factually accurate. Where does their value or meaning come from if they are not factually accurate.


DQ 2

Select one creation myth from this week’s readings. What truth does the myth tell you about the culture that created it?


DQ 3

Creation myths are usually origin myths; they describe where a people come from. What stories does your family or heritage tell about its origin? Do these stories enhance your family’s or culture’s cohesiveness and belonging? How are these stories similar to or different from classic myths? 

DQ 4

 Consider some origin stories told about groups of which you are a part: for example, the origin of a nation, a company, a church, or an ethnic group. How are these stories similar to or different from classic myths? 



HUM 105 Week 3 Individual Assignment Divine Roles Across Cultures Matrix

Resource: University of Phoenix Material: Divine Roles Across Cultures Matrix
Complete the matrix and short essay.
Format your citations and references consistent with APA guidelines.


HUM 105 Week 3 DQS 

DQ 1

In many myths, the rules and physical laws do not seem to apply to the gods. For example, gods marry their siblings, fathers give birth through their foreheads, mothers swallow their children, and so on. From your readings, identify three other examples of improbable, fantasy, or make-believe elements gods enacted. Why are these acceptable in the context of a myth?


DQ 2

Visit the image gallery at http://www.pantheon.org and other websites to find an image, such as a painting, sculpture, or architectural representation of a mythological divinity and give the title, the artist, the source you retrieved it from, and a brief description. What does the image represent from the myth it is based on? How does the image represent the god’s relationship to humankind?


DQ 3

Do myths of divinities influence how cultures think of the ideal for women and men? If so, explain in what way. If not, explain why. Do you consider these portrayals positive or negative?

DQ 4

In general, how do the gods and goddesses described in the myths resemble human men and women? How do they differ? Are the similarities and differences important to their divine status? Explain why or why not.





HUM 105 Week 4 Learning Team Assignment Contemporary Hero’s Quest Presentation

Create a 10- to 15-slide Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation about a contemporary hero or heroine’s quest.

Pick a contemporary story in the form of a novel, movie, or video game that is inspired by a mythological epic or journey of a hero’s quest. Briefly describe the plight of the main character—the feat(s) he or she must execute for the benefit of society in the face of challenges.

Identify the villain and describe his or her characteristics and role in the hero’s quest.

Identify other archetypes within the story. Refer to this week’s content outlines for archetype examples. Briefly describe these roles in the hero’s quest.

Identify in detail each of the steps the hero takes in the quest: initiation, separation, transformation, and return.

Research the mythological and cultural origins of the story. Discuss parallels between the myth(s) and the contemporary story it inspired.

Analyze any mythological symbolism, metaphors, and attributes pertinent to the story. What real life elements might these items represent?

Discuss the conflicts between personal desires and community responsibility represented in the myth and the contemporary story. Relate these to the conflicts and choices ordinary humans struggle with. Explain why these human conflicts retain relevance through the ages.

Format your citations and references consistent with APA guidelines


HUM 105 Week 4 DQS 

DQ 1

How do tricksters relate to creation myths? Consider the trials, conflicts, and struggles you or someone you know has experienced. How did the solution to those difficulties parallel that of one of the mythic heroes you have read about? Would you consider these part of a hero’s quest? Explain why or why not.


DQ 2

ythic heroes are role models for human action. What are tricksters? (Are they role models? Cautionary tales? Something other?) Support your position with examples from a trickster myth.


DQ 3

Mythic heroes are often used as role models. However, mythic heroes have some fundamental differences from normal humans. (For example, they often have divine parents, many have superhuman strength, many get direct help from the gods, etc.) How do these differences complicate the process of using mythic heroes as role models?


DQ 4

How do tricksters relate to creation myths? 





HUM 105 Week 5 Individual Team Assignment Sacred Destination Presentation

Prepare a presentation about a vacation or a retreat to a sacred place in mythology, for example, the Oracle at Delphi or the Mahabodhi Temple. This place may or may not currently exist.

Create your presentation in the form of a brochure, a slide show with audio, a Microsoft® PowerPoint® presentation, or another form of your choice. The use of images is encouraged.

Include the following:

· The mythological origins, history, and functions of the place

· Any sacred objects and attributes associated with the deities and mythological origins of this place, for example, Apollo’s snake and lyre or Buddha’s bodhi tree—discuss the symbolism of these objects as used by contemporary people and cultures.

· A comparison of this place to those that serve similar functions in other cultures, for example, mountain tops, temples, burial sites or memorials, and so on

· The relevance of this place and these objects in contemporary culture—what significance do these places or things hold in the minds and emotions of the people? How do these places or things connect to mythological stories from that culture? What is the role of place and the associated objects?

· The most important facts to know about the surrounding culture, and etiquette and dress to follow when visiting to this place—with what knowledge and experiences would you hope to return home?

Format your images, citations, and references consistent with APA guidelines.



HUM 105 Week 5 DQS 



DQ 1

How is the practice of purchasing souvenirs when you travel similar to obtaining meaningful objects from sacred places? Do you think that you feel the same way about your souvenirs as ancient people felt about relics that they collected? If so, explain in what way. If not, explain why. 


DQ 2

Do you have sacred objects in your home, such as a dream catcher, a shrine or altar, prayer candles, or clothing worn for practicing rituals? If so, do you treat these items differently than your other possessions? Explain why.


DQ 3

Can secular places and objects be sacred? Explain why or why not.