1Have a detailed grasp of principal characters, narratives, and themes in the myths of a number of representative ancient world cultures (Mesopotamian, Egyptian, Celtic, Aztec, Mayan, East Asian, African);

2Be able to appreciate the many functions of myths within ancient societies, namely to explain natural events, support religious practices, and underwrite social and political power; and

3Be able to identify recurrent patterns and themes in the myths of historically disparate ancient and modern cultures.