Myths & Myth-Making

Why do so many cultures share stories of floods, sun gods, or clever tricksters? In this immersive comparative mythology class, students will journey through myths from around the world - including Mayan, Navajo, Norse, Shinto, Yoruba, and many more - uncovering the timeless ideas these stories reveal about creation, morality, nature, and the mysteries of life. Each week, families and students will be invited to explore curated videos, books, and podcasts at home that highlight diverse cultural perspectives. In class, students will engage in lively discussions to analyze, compare, and reflect on these ancient tales and their meanings. The class culminates with students creating and sharing their own original mythologies, building unique characters, pantheons, and worlds inspired by the rich stories they’ve discovered.

What they’ll do:

Explore key elements of myths such as origin tales, gods, mythical creatures, and the hero’s journey

Compare myths across cultures and reflect on how myths reveal both the uniqueness of individual cultures and universal human experiences

Invent original myths - creating characters, gods, worlds, and stories - drawing on their growing knowledge

Develop skills in comparative thinking, storytelling, cultural literacy, critical reflection, and creative expression