Transformations of Myth Through Time
with Joseph
Campbell
Through the Joseph Campbell: Transformations of Myth
Through Time course students will learn a great deal about the mythologies
that human beings have created over the centuries from a man who made the study
of those mythologies his life's work. What makes Joseph Campbell particularly
captivating is his ability to make those mythologies relevant to the lives of
people living today.
Joseph Campbell, as author, scholar, teacher,
and storyteller is an inspiration to people of all walks of life the world
over. This course consists of 14 hour-long programs selected from over 50 hours
of Campbell lectures and is introduced by "THE HERO'S JOURNEY," an
award-winning biographical film. Through these programs and the accompanying
specially prepared academic materials, students will gain a deeper
understanding of mythology's role in human history.
The Joseph Campbell: Transformations of Myth Through Time course is a
significant resource for the study of mythology. The course draws from classic
and recent scholarship about the mythology of the world. Leading scholars have
worked to integrate the series with several print components into a rounded
course of study that promises to stimulate and challenge faculty as well as
students.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS
1) The Hero's
Journey: The World of Joseph Campbell
This biographical film profiles Campbell's life's journey in the study of myth.
The program forms a foundation for Campbell's thoughts and helps to explain his
unique approach to mythology.
2) In the
Beginning: Origins of Man and Myth
Campbell explores the dawn of mankind's mythic consciousness with a study of
temple caves from the Paleolithic period. Campbell also introduces the basic
concepts in the study of mythology: the role of the shaman, the stages of
initiation, and the significance of lunar and solar symbolism.
3) Where People
Lived Legends: American Indian Myths
Campbell's telling of the Navaho legend of "Where the Two Came to Their
Father" illustrates an American Indian version of the hero's journey and
illustrates the relationship of man and nature, a constant theme through time
in American Indian cultures.
4) And We Washed
Our Weapons in the Sea: Gods and Goddesses of the Neolithic
Period
This title phrase signaled the beginning of the conquests and invasions of the
warrior cultures. Through the artifacts from the Neolithic Period, Campbell
traces the ascendance of the warrior cultures of the Gods over the agricultural
based Goddesses societies.
5) Pharaoh's
Rule: Egypt, the Exodus, and the Myth of Osiris
Campbell's discussion of the burial rituals and Egyptian art of the Upper and
Lower Kingdoms reveals the emerging mythological themes of the Near East.
6) The Sacred
Source: The Perennial Philosophy of the East
In this lecture, Campbell introduces the Perennial Philosophy of the East and
focuses on the Indian tradition from its origins to the end of the Vedic
period.
7) The Way to
Enlightenment: Buddhism
Campbell introduces stories of Buddha's life and enlightenment to reflect the
essence of the Buddhist religion. The different sects of Buddhism are
contrasted in their conception of transcendence. Campbell compares Buddhism
with Taoism and Confucius and also discusses Buddhism's impact on the ancient
West.
8) From Id to Ego in the Orient: Kundalini
Yoga, Part I
Campbell discusses the purpose and extent of the Tantra system against the
background of the Raja theory of Pantanjali. He also presents other types of
Yoga.
9) From
Psychology to Spirituality: Kundalini Yoga, Part 2
Through the study of elaborate artwork, Campbell portrays the full Chakra
system of Kundalini Yoga and compares it with modem Western psychology and
Christian concepts.
10) From Descent
to Heaven: The Tibetan Book of the Dead
In this program, Campbell reveals how the art, philosophy and mysticism of the
Eastern Way reach a noble expression in the Buddhism of Tibet.
11) From Darkness
to Light: The Mystery Religions of Ancient Greece
Through a presentation of beautiful and compelling works of art, Campbell
illustrates the myths of ancient Greece. In particular, he tells the story of
Persephone and Demeter as the basis for the mystery religions.
12) Where There
Was No Path: Arthurian Legends and the Western Way
Campbell traces the wide ranging influence of the Arthurian legends and ties
them to the emergence of the warrior-based society. He also illustrates the
break with tradition in the tension between honor and love in these legends.
13) A Noble
Heart: The Courtly Love of Tristan and Isolde
Campbell tells many tales of the troubadours and courtly love. In his
presentation of these tales, he explores the meaning and symbology of the many
tests and trials of courtly love.
14)
In Search of the Holy Grail: The Parzival Legend
Campbell reveals the changing orientation of Western culture in his discussion
of The Grail. In particular, Campbell contrasts the symbology of The Grail as
an individual quest versus a holy quest.