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Through the Joseph Campbell: Transformations of Myth Through Time course student

s will learn a great deal about the mythologies that human beings have created o
ver 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 prog
rams and the accompanying specially prepared academic materials, students will g
ain a deeper understanding of mythology's role in human history.
The Joseph Campbell: Transformations of Myth Through Time course is a significan
t 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 in
tegrate the series with several print components into a rounded course of study
that promises to stimulate and challenge faculty as well as students.
Joseph Campbell: Transformations of Myth Through Time helps studentsâ ¦
* gain an understanding of how myths have been transformed through myriad cultur
es throughout time
* learn the relationships among myth, religion, and culture
* acquire the ability to recognize the underlying similarities of human cultures
as well as the wide range of variations
* recognize and appreciate that there are many equally valid myths and religions
and that there have been throughout history
_________________________
Part 01: 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.
Part 02: The In the Beginning: Origins of Man and Myth
Campbell explores the dawn of mankind's mythic consciousness with a study of tem
ple caves from the Paleolithic period. Campbell also introduces the basic concep
ts in the study of mythology: the role of the shaman, the stages of initiation,
and the significance of lunar and solar symbolism.
Part 03: 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 India
n cultures.
Part 04: And We Washed Our Weapons in the Sea: Gods and Goddesses of the Neolith
ic Period
This title phrase signaled the beginning of the conquests and invasions of the w
arrior cultures. Through the artifacts from the Neolithic Period, Campbell trace
s the ascendance of the warrior cultures of the Gods over the agricultural based
Goddesses societies.
Part 05: 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 Lo
wer Kingdoms reveals the emerging mythological themes of the Near East.
Part 06: The Sacred Source: The Perennial Philosophy of the East
In this lecture, Campbell introduces the Perennial Philosophy of the East and fo
cuses on the Indian tradition from its origins to the end of the Vedic period.
Part 07: The Way to Enlightenment: Buddhism
Campbell introduces stories of Buddha's life and enlightenment to reflect the es
sence of the Buddhist religion. The different sects of Buddhism are contrasted i
n their conception of transcendence. Campbell compares Buddhism with Taoism and
Confucius and also discusses Buddhism's impact on the ancient West.
Part 08: From Psychology to Spirituality: Kundalini Yoga, Part I
Campbell discusses the purpose and extent of the Tantra system against the backg
round of the Raja theory of Pantanjali. He also presents other types of Yoga.
Part 09: From Psychology to Spirituality: Kundalini Yoga, Part II
Through the study of elaborate artwork, Campbell portrays the full Chakra system
of Kundalini Yoga and compares it with modem Western psychology and Christian c
oncepts.
Part 10: From Descent to Heaven: The Tibetan Book of the Dead
In this program, Campbell reveals how the art, philosophy and mysticism of the E
astern Way reach a noble expression in the Buddhism of Tibet.
Part 11: From Darkness to Light: The Mystery Religions of Ancient Greece
Through a presentation of beautiful and compelling works of art, Campbell illust
rates the myths of ancient Greece. In particular, he tells the story of Persepho
ne and Demeter as the basis for the mystery religions.
Part 12: Where There Was No Path: Arthurian Legends and the Western Way
Campbell traces the wide ranging influence of the Arthurian legends and ties the
m to the emergence of the warrior-based society. He also illustrates the break w
ith tradition in the tension between honor and love in these legends.
Part 13: A Noble Heart: The Courtly Love of Tristan and Isolde
Campbell tells many tales of the troubadours and courtly love. In his presentati
on of these tales, he explores the meaning and symbology of the many tests and t
rials of courtly love.
Part 14: In Search of the Holy Grail: The Parzival Legend
Campbell reveals the changing orientation of Western culture in his discussion o
f The Grail. In particular, Campbell contrasts the symbology of The Grail as an
individual quest versus a holy quest.

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