This class takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of mythology, with an emphasis on literary approaches. While the course deals with world mythology, there is a reading emphasis on classical and Norse myths because of their significance in Western culture and literature. This should not, however, be construed as a belief in their primacy or superiority to the myths of other cultures.

Two textbooks are used in the class. The primary text is Scott Leonard and Michael McClure's Myth & Knowing: An Introduction to World Mythology (Boston: McGraw-Hill, 2004). Students are also required to read and study Edith Hamilton's Mythology (Boston: Little, Brown, 1942), which is a classic text that covers both classical and Norse mythology.