In the Beginning. . . Cosmogonic Myths

Professor Hugh Flick

 hugh.flick@yale.edu

 Thursdays, March 9 - April 13,
6 - 7:30 PM EST

Zoom: https://yale.zoom.us/j/97691616412

Course Description

Cultures around the world express their worldviews by means mythic narratives about the creation of the world as well as about the creation of humans.  This course will examine the pivotal role creation stories play in shaping our sense of who we are and in helping us find meaning in our lives.  In addition to the Judeo-Christian Genesis creation myths, we will explore a variety of origin myths beginning with Ancient Greece and Babylonia.  Our journey will move through time and across cultures (Mayan culture and cultures of India) as we explore the ways that myths can help a culture grapple with the most basic questions of existence.

Syllabus

Week One (March 9)
Weekly questions from the Professor

Introduction: how do cosmogonic myths function?

B. Sproul, Primal Myths, "Introduction" 

van Over, Sun Songs, "Introduction: The Meaning of Myths".

Week Two (March 16)
Weekly questions from the Professor

Creation Myth of Babylon: The Enuma Elish.

W.G. Lambert (trans), "Enuma Elish"

A. Heidel, "Enuma Elish-Introduction".

Lowery- article on Enuma Elish

Week Three (March 23)
Weekly questions from the Professor

Creation Myth of Ancient Greece: The Theogony.

M.L. West (trans.), "Theogony"

M.L. West, "Introduction".

Week Four (March 30)
Weekly questions from the Professor

Judeo-Christian Creation Myth — Genesis.

Genesis 1 - Genesis 11

K. Armstrong, Selections from In the Beginning.

Lowery, Sabbath as Social-Economc Critique and Challenge in the Era of Pandemic and Climate Change

Week Five (April 6)
Weekly questions from the Professor

Mayan Creation Myth: The Popol Vuh.

D. Tedlock, "Introduction"

D. Tedlock (trans.), "Popol Vuh".

Week Six (April 13)
Weekly questions from the Professor

Creation Myths of India.

N.N. Bhattacharyya, History of Indian Cosmogonical Ideas, "Introduction" and

"Rgvedic Cosmogony"

O'Flaherty and Sproul, Creation Myths of India (combined readings)

QUESTIONS? 

If you have any questions or need any assistance, please contact Sharon Small by email at, yacol@yale.edu or sharon.small@yale.edu. If you need immediate assistance, please call Sharon at 203-871-1284.