1. Mythology in Art & Literature
Professor Will Adams · Wadams5@valenciacollege.edu
Course Blog: hum2310-130.blogspot.com
Osceola Campus – Building 2, Room 233
Mondays & Wednesdays, 1:30 – 2:45 PM
Research Project Assignment
For your research project this term, you will choose an artwork that is based on a legend or myth from Classical mythology. After receiving your artwork, you will be required to create a four- five page research-based essay.
Structure & Contents
1. Title Page (Unnumbered)
2. First Page
a. Introduction of Essay: Discuss the essential nature of art, myth, or story for human beings. What is the most important function that they serve? How have those functions changed over time? How have they stayed the same?
b. Introduction of Artwork: Based on the previous paragraph, how does your artwork fit into the framework of human history? Who created it? When? Where? From what materials? Discuss historical context, artist biography, and technical innovations in this section. (This section may continue on to your second page as necessary).
3. Second Page – Third Page
a. What is the story, myth, or legend being depicted in the artwork? Do not simply limit yourself to the scene being shown in the work – be sure to give background and context concerning both the characters involved in the scene and the setting in which the scene takes place.
b. Also discuss the society that created the myth upon which the artwork is based, and how the story, myth, or legend being shown may or may not be representative of that society’s ideals, principles, or beliefs.
4. Third Page – Fourth Page
a. Identify and discuss in detail the various symbols that artist includes within the artwork that allow the viewer to obtain a greater understanding of the scene depicted, or its societal importance; they may take the form of animals, colors, fruits or vegetables, characters, plants, objects, geographical features, or even people.

2. b. Be sure to consult texts discussing artistic symbolism when delving into this portion of your discussion.
5. Fifth Page
a. Identify and illustrate contemporary examples of the artwork’s theme as evidenced in today’s popular media.
b. Explain how the themes and concerns of the Classical world are not terribly different than those of modern society. You may choose to illustrate this point using examples from cinema, music, television, or electronic games.
c. Conclusion: Discuss why the information, themes, and symbolism discussed within your paper are important. Do not introduce any new subjects for discussion and do not simply summarize your essay for the reader. Instead, let your reader know what he or she should have learned or understood from having read your work.
6. Works Cited Page (Unnumbered)
Formatting Specifications
1. Your essay should be four-five full body pages, in addition to cover & Works Cited pages
2. Its text should be double-spaced, and set in size 12 Arial font
3. The pages should have standard 1 inch margins on all four sides
4. MLA Citation Style must be used to document your sources by:
a. Using in-text parenthetical citations
b. Including a fully-realized MLA-formatted Works Cited page at the end of your essay, including all works cited in-text
5. You must use a minimum of 5 different sources
6. The only sources you may use are books or periodicals from the library, or articles from our databases
7. Your essay must also have a standard, MLA-formatted cover page affixed to the front
8. The five page minimum does not include either your cover page or Works Cited page
9. Your finished, typed, stapled essay will be due at the beginning of class on Monday, November 10th.