LIT 2081.001 Fall 2023 Koo

Myths and fairytales have played a foundational role in the development of cultural identity. Thus, understanding them is essential to understanding various cultures. This course explores the ways in which modern writers have adapted and transformed traditional myths and fairytales to reflect contemporary themes and issues. Through readings of a variety of texts from different genres and cultures, students will develop an understanding of how myths and fairytales continue to resonate in modern society.

Throughout the course, we will examine the ways in which traditional myths and fairytales have been reinvented and updated to reflect the concerns of the modern world. We will also analyze the social and cultural contexts in which these adaptations were produced and consider the ways in which they have been received by contemporary audiences.

Some of the key topics that will be explored include the use of fairytales to explore issues of gender, race, and identity; the incorporation of modern technology and media into mythic narratives; and the relationship between myth and popular culture.

By the end of the course, students will have gained a deeper understanding of the ongoing significance of myths and fairytales in contemporary culture and will be able to analyze and interpret modern adaptations of these stories. They will also develop critical thinking and writing skills through engagement with complex literary texts.