World Literature

World Literature

General Courses

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School of Economics and Management

All

IA9991GCA1

2.00Credits

講義 (Lecture)

Fall semester 2026

(Fall semester)

Tamas Carmen

School of Economics and Management

English

4

By appointment-- B 307

tamas@em.u-hyogo.ac.jp

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World literature is such a vast topic that one lifetime would not be enough to cover it, so the goal of this course is not to offer an exhaustive view of the subject. The objective is to introduce the students to the world of storytelling, and to make them aware of the importance of myths, tales, and legends in the history of humanity.
Learning outcomes: The students will become familiar with some of the greatest stories in the world, and will learn how to identify universal themes and motifs in various contemporary productions.

myth, legend, tale, story, saga

1. Course overview. The world of storytelling
2. "Neverending Story" and the importance of storytelling
3. The world of myth I-- Greek myths and Percy Jackson
4. The world of myth II-- Greek myths from a comparative perspective
5. The world of storytelling-- The Arabian Nights
6. Fairytales and universal motifs
7. European fairytales-- "Witcher"
8. Review & discussion
9. Presentations
10. The long history of vampires from undead to gothic glamour
11. Old motifs re-interpreted in contemporary productions
12. Taming the dragon-- Susano-wo, Siegfried, and Daenerys
13. Myth, fairytale, fantasy novel, movie, video game
14. Urban legends
15. Final discussion

In-person

• In-person classes only
• Not subject to the cap on distance-education credits

Limited permission for use

AI may be used for the purpose of translating materials or identifying sources (which must be verified with the original document/ text) ONLY.

There is no textbook for this class. Students are expected to follow the class materials and read the books indicated in the list of references. 

1. sacred-texts.com (for original texts and more on world mythology)
2. Joseph Campbell (1990)-- The Hero's Journey
3. Rick Riordan-- The Percy Jackson series
4. J.R.R. Tolkien-- "Lord of the Rings"
5. Leigh Bardugo-- "Shadow and Bone"
6. Andrzej Sapkowski-- "The Witcher"
7. Bram Stoker-- "Dracula"
8. Anne Rice-- "Interview with the Vampire"
9. George Martin-- "Game of Thrones"
10. J.K. Rowling-- "Harry Potter"
11. "The Arabian Night" (transl. by Richard F. Burton)

More references will be indicated during the course.

Students are expected to spend at least 60 minutes reading the indicated texts in preparation for class, and they are strongly advised to go back to the text and continue reading after class.

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Grading criteria

S 90%~) excellent (thorough mastery of course material & concepts)
A (80%~) good (proficient grasp of most course material & concepts)
B (70%~) fair (general understanding of principal course material & concepts)
C (60%~) poor but passing (superficial familiarity with some course material)
In order to obtain the credits for this course, at least a C (60%) is necessary.

Evaluation methods

Contribution to class activities, presentations 40%

Final exam 60%

On Universal Passport or in class (individually)

For a better understanding of class content, students are strongly encouraged to read as much as possible of the indicated material.

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