Purpose of the Assignment
The purpose of the Essay Responses is to demonstrate critical thinking and analysis while examining a specific course topic. There will be two during the course of this semester; this assignment concerns topics covered in Unit Two. For Essay Response #1, you are asked to read a selection of the Epic of Gilgamesh (posted in full on Blackboard) and summarize it using the Monomyth/Heros Journey theory created by Joseph Campbell.
This assignment includes three steps:
Step one: Read over your notes, the Myth and Mythology PowerPoint, and pages 262-264 in the textbook, which focuses on Joseph Campbells monomyth/Heros Journey theory.
Step two: Read the selected sections of the Epic of Gilgamesh, keeping in mind Campbells theory (it may be helpful to print out the text if you can and take notes as you go to map out the various stages throughout the story).
Step three: Write your essay; your essay should consist of a summary of this story in your own words and explicit application of Campbells theory. Use Campbells theory to structure your paper. In your essay, you should demonstrate that you have read the Epic of Gilgamesh, have the skill of summarization, and fully comprehend Campbells work on mythology that we covered in class.
General Requirements & Deadlines
Length: 400-600 words (You will not be penalized for going over 600 words as long as you stay on topic.)
Proper grammar, spelling, punctuation, syntax, etc. (i.e., well-written)
Your essay should have a proper structural organization (introduction, body, and conclusion).
sequences are not worth it; use your own writing abilities to complete this assignment. If you need any help, contact me to set up a meeting and we will discuss your paper.
Do NOT consult any sources beyond the textbook, class notes & PowerPoints, and the text posted on Blackboard! Students who have done this frequently end up doing poorly on the assignment because they include information not relevant. In addition, consulting outside sources often leads to plagiarism dont risk it!
Use this link to access the text for Essay Response #1. Though this link is to the whole text (and I encourage you to read the entire story, as it is interesting), you are only required to read pages 3-6, 12-19, & 22-24 for this assignment (11 total required pages). There is also an index at the end if you have any questions about character names, references, or terms.
http://www.aina.org/books/eog/eog.pdf
To remind you, the information for Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey” can be found in the Myth and Mythology PowerPoint as well as pages 262-264 in your textbook. The main highlights of the hero’s life in this theory; they are:
1) Separation/Departure
2) Initiation
3) Return
