English 202: Introduction to World Mythology
 Final paper: Interpreting Myths and Sacred Stories beyond this class

The primary difference between this paper and the first paper is that I want you to go beyond the scope of this class—incorporate some research and your own interests and histories. I expect another interpretation and require only one difference--that the story (or stories) you interpret has not been covered by any of the lectures. This means you can go to cultures and mythologies we have not covered such as Benin, Norse or Incan myths or to stories that are part of the traditions covered but not covered by the presenter. Please include a copy of the story (or stories) you use.
            A note on research: I recommend you stay away from the internet for your research. While there are some fine sources to be found much of what you will find will be superficial or even wrong. Find books or article and be sure to know something about the teller of the story. If you do use an internet source be sure you have very good reasons to trust the source.
            Again, Your assignment is to explain meaning in one (or more) of the stories. The interpretation should be plausible and reasonable, and the essay should persuade based on evidence supported by the elements of the story. Be sure not to simply summarize another story or set of stories. It must be literary analysis.

Again, be sure to consider the following things:

• Facts within the stories
• Language
• The elements of a story (plot, point of view, character(s), setting, theme(s), symbolism, tone and style)
• The writer’s or teller’s background, experience, etc.
• Culture and history of the writer
• The writer’s views
• The critical approaches taken to literature (Formalist, Biographical, Historical, Psychological, Mythological, Sociological, Gender, Reader-Response, Deconstructionist, Cultural)
• Your own background, experience, history, and culture

And again, the requirements:

• Typed
• 5-7 double-spaced pages ("W" students 7-10 double-spaced pages)
• Standard, reasonable margins and fonts
• Name, class, quarter clearly stated
• Cite sources using Modern Language Association (MLA) standards
• Turned in on time
• Includes copy(s) of the story (stories) interpreted

 Essay will be evaluated based on the following concepts:

• Completion of requirements
• Thoughtfulness (see above)
• Standard writing criteria (focus, detail, organization, and clarity)