Course Name Year Term Period Faculty / Graduate School All Instructors Credits
14489:[2025 Spring]Contemporary Society in English(Intermediate) (JA) § 14490:Contemporary Society in English(Intermediate) (JA) 2025 Spring Thu4 College　Of　Law FOSTER JOHN PAUL 2

Campus

KIC

Class Venue

KOGAKUKAN　KO102

Language

Japanese

Course Outline and Method

Heroes, Myth, and Culture
This course will examine the portrayals of heroes from different cultures in myth, literature, film, and history to discover how each hero embodies the values of that culture. Readings and films will focus on heroes and heroines from ancient Greece, Northern Europe, and the United States. Students will investigate heroes and heroines from cultures of their own choosing as part of the class as well.

Student Attainment Objectives

By the end of this class, you will be able to:
• Understand the roles heroes and heroines play in different societies and cultures
• Analyze, discuss, and summarize stories, essays, and films
• Develop critical thinking skills about cultural values
• Utilize effective public speaking skills to make presentations
• Express yourself more confidently in English

Recommended Preparatory Course

Course Schedule

Lecture/Instructor（When there are multiple instructors) Theme
Keyword, References and Supplementary Information
Week 1

Class Introduction & How to Understand Stories, Part 1

+R-Jugyo. See manaba+R for further information
Video: Greek Gods Explained in 12 Minutes
After watching the video, we will complete a family tree of the Greek gods and their relationships.

Week 2

What is a hero?

Videos: What Makes a Hero? & A Host of Heroes
After watching these short videos, we will start to discover our own definitions of what makes someone a hero.

Week 3

The Hero’s Journey & How to Understand Stories, Part 2

We will discuss the idea of the hero's journey, the basis for the book The Hero with a Thousand Faces by Joseph Campbell.

Week 4

The Myth of Orpheus & Eurydice & Example Story Map

To ensure that students understand the fundamentals of story structure, we will complete a story map on the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice together as a class.

Week 5

Film: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Part 1

To ensure that students understand the fundamentals of story structure, we will complete a story map on the film together as a class.

Week 6

Film: Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief, Part 2 & Example Story Map

To ensure that students understand the fundamentals of story structure, we will complete a story map on the film together as a class.

Week 7

The Myth of Perseus and the Gorgon’s Head

Students will choose their presentation topics and we will discuss the my myth of Perseus and Medusa.

Week 8

Story Map on Perseus and the Gorgon’s Head Due

We will cover the major parts of a presentation and discuss techniques that students can use to make engaging presentations.

Week 9

The Myth of Theseus and the Minotaur

We will discuss the meaning of one of the most famous Greek myths, the story of Theseus and the Minotaur.

Week 10

The Myth of Icarus and Daedalus

We will discuss the meaning of one of the most famous Greek myths, the story of Icarus and Daedalus.

Weeks 11 and 12

Presentations

Students will make presentations on a god, goddess, hero, or mythological being of their choosing that we do not cover in class.

Week 13

Film, Part 1

Students will watch the first half of the film and see how the story matches the hero's journey.

Week 14

Film Part 2

Students will watch the second half of the film and see how the film matches the hero's journey.

Class Format

この授業は全授業回を対⾯で実施します。
All class sessions will be face-to-face.

Recommendations for Private Study

In this class, you will be discussing stories, short videos, and films in English every week. In order to do well in this class, you need to prepare before and after class, too. First, always complete homework assignments before class, especially the reading. Second, when you are in class, make sure you write down everything I put on the blackboard in your notebook and review your notes after class. Third, ask questions about anything you don't understand.



Next, you have three major projects in this class, two story maps and one presentation. Although you will have some time to work on these assignments in class so I can give you feedback, most of your preparation will be done outside of class, including researching and writing the assignments, memorizing them, and practicing your pronunciation and intonation. The more you prepare outside of class, the higher your grades will be!

Grade Evaluation Method

Kind Percentage Grading Criteria etc.
Final Examination (Written)

Report Examination
(A report to be submitted by the unified deadline)

Exams and/or Reports other than those stated above, and Continuous Assessment　
(Evaluation of Everyday Performance in Class)		 100

Class Journal 20%
Story Maps (2 x 25) 40%
Presentation 25%
Participation & Homework 15%

Grade Evaluation Method （Note）

成績評価方法--備考 
2/3以上の出席が必要です。



Grading Criteria and Method of Evaluation--Note 
Students are required to attend at least two thirds of the classes.

Advice to Students on Study and Research Methods

Textbooks

Textbooks （Frequency of Use, Note）

It is not necessary to purchase textbooks because handouts or PDF files will be distributed on manaba+R.

Reference Books

Reference Books （Frequency of Use, Note）

Web Pages for Reference

How to Communicate with the Instructor In and Out of Class(Including Instructor Contact Information)

Learning Management System （manaba+R）,Talk with Students

Other Comments

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URL:https://secure.ritsumei.ac.jp/students/pathways-future/course/curriculum.html/