Where do our stories come from? How and why are they used to build cultures and national
narratives? The Global Mythologies microcredential invites students on an exciting
cross-cultural journey through the myths, monsters, heroes, and cosmologies that have
shaped civilizations across time and place. In two fully online, asynchronous summer
courses, students explore global myth traditions alongside their powerful visual expressions
in art, while also considering how myths are reinvented in modern culture. Students
analyze legendary narratives, create original mythic figures, and examine how storytelling
shapes identity, belief, and power. Designed for students across many majors, this
microcredential builds in-demand skills in critical thinking, communication, and visual
analysis, all while tapping into the enduring thrill of mythology.
ENGL 550: Students will examine the mythological literatures of various western and non-western cultures, including Greece, Rome, the Fertile Crescent, Africa, China, Japan, India, the Celtic and Norse worlds, and the Americas. Subjects discussed will include the nature and identities of the pantheon; creation, fertility, flood, and trickster myths; and Armageddon/world’s-end myths, all in a global context. We may also consider how creative writers construct mythologies and cosmologies for their fictional universes! This course will be online asynchronous, so you can join in on the fun no matter where you're staying!
ARTH 383: From her transformation into a mythological monster to a #MeToo icon, Medusa is one of the most enduring and significant creations in cultural history. Learn about the visual culture of Perseus and Medusa, giants, centaurs, sea monsters, mythological creatures, and ancient heroes online (asynchronous). We will examine how monsters and heroes participated in constructs of cultural identity, gender, race, and class in Antiquity and explore what images of monsters can reveal about fears of the “other,” death, war, sexuality, and other anxieties. In lieu of exams, students will keep a Monster Research Journal and design/create their own ancient monsters related to course topics. Humanities and Arts, Global Perspective, Historical Perspective course. No prerequisites.
| Course | Credits | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| ENGL 550 - World Mythologies | 3 |
Summer Session C: June 8 - July 8, 2026 |
| ARTH 383 - Monsters, Heroes, and Myths in Ancient Art | 3 | Summer Session D: July 13 - August 12, 2026 |
