Course Syllabus (tentative)

The Power of Myth and Star Wars

Spring 2019

Unit 1:  Psychology and the Star Wars Universe

In this mini unit, students will investigate elements of the DSM5 regarding narcissism, sociopathy, and psychopathy.  They will then use this information to analyze characters from the second canon (episodes 1-3).

Primary readings and viewings

·       TED-ed:“What is a psychopath?”

·       TED:  “Strange answers to the psychopath test”

·       Information from the DSM5

·       Articles and charts

    

Primary writings

Notes from the TED-Ed video and articles

Symptom chart

Unit 2:  The Second Canon—Episodes 1-3

Students will be asked to identify aspects of the DSM5 in characters of note.  This information will be useful when analyzing characters in the first and contemporary canons.

Primary viewing

The Phantom Menace

Attack of the Clones

Revenge of the Sith 

Primary writing

Character diagnosis sheets

In class writing

Unit 3: Joseph Campbell and the Hero’s Journey

In this mini unit, students will be introduced to Joseph Campbell, a well-renowned mythologist.  Students will use the information in this unit as a template for their study of the first canon.

Primary readings and viewings

The Power of Myth, Part 1 (A PBS documentary)

TED-Ed: “What Makes a Hero”

Rogue One

Primary writing

Notes from documentary

Hero chart for Rogue One

Unit 4:  The First Canon:  Episodes 4-6

Students will use information from previous units when analyzing episodes 4-6.  Who is the hero of this canon?  The villain?  Or is it more complicated than that…?

Primary reading and viewing

A New Hope

The Empire Strikes Back 

Return of the Jedi 

Primary writing

Hero charts for Luke Skywalker

In class essay

Unit 5: The Contemporary Canon:  Episodes 7-8

In this unit, students will use information from previous units to examine the characters of Kylo Ren and Rey. What metaphor(s) are the new writers and directors of the franchise bringing to their audience?

Primary reading and viewing

The Force Awakens 

The Last Jedi

Primary Writing

Argument paper

The final exam:

Please note that the final exam is mandatory.  It will count as 1/5 of your final grade.  Failure to complete the final exam or plagiarism on the final may result in course failure.