In this year-long course, students will learn to apply the monomyth of the hero’s journey based on the teachings of Joseph Campbell to the protagonists of classic and contemporary works of literature. Students explore the trials and triumphs of characters who face the challenges of personal circumstance, supernatural monsters, Christian ethics, and human morality. Various types of heroes will be encountered through the study of a wide range of literary works: Greek mythology, folk and fairy tales, epic poetry, medieval romance, Shakespearean drama, Victorian novel, modern drama, and future dystopia. In analyzing and comparing monomyths, students will be able to articulate and critique what constitutes both archetypal and modern, everyday heroism. The course challenges the students to reflect critically as well as creatively through archetypal criticism and literary analysis. Students will prepare for college-level English courses through spoken and written analysis, class seminar, in-class and take-home writing, and supplementary creative presentations and projects. UC A-G approved – b English. NCAA approved.

Prerequisite: Eng 11 Am Lit (P)

Level: 12

Credit: 10