Unit outline_

RLST2641: Myth, Method, Worldviews

Semester 1, 2026 [Normal day] - Camperdown/Darlington, Sydney

The academic study of religion with its distinctive history of scholarship and profile is presented through the study of core topics of contemporary interest. An essential theme is the study of myth from which engaging examples will be utilised in order to introduce foundational issues of method, theory and worldview appropriate to the discipline. Key research skills will be trialled through assessment tasks.

Unit details and rules

Academic unit Studies in Religion
Credit points 6
Prerequisites
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12 credit points at 1000 level in Studies in Religion
Corequisites
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None
Prohibitions
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None
Assumed knowledge
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None

Available to study abroad and exchange students

Yes

Teaching staff

Coordinator Christopher Humphrey Hartney, christopher.hartney@sydney.edu.au
The census date for this unit availability is 31 March 2026
Type Description Weight Due Length Use of AI
Written exam Formal Exam - Applying a Methodology
Students will apply a methodology to given material.
30% Formal exam period 1.5 hours AI prohibited
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Contribution Lecture Engagement
Students will make a short contribution in at least 3 lecture question sessions.
10% Multiple weeks 3 x 100 word contribution in lecture AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO2
Contribution Participation
Engagement with Readings
10% Ongoing - AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO3
Written work hurdle task Early Feedback Task Early Feedback Task: You and Methodology
Early Feedback Task
0% Week 02
Due date: 05 Mar 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 17 Apr 2026
500 Words AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO3 LO1
Presentation Oral Presentation on Methodology
An explication of chosen methodology for research essay.
20% Week 07
Due date: 14 Apr 2026 at 09:00

Closing date: 14 Apr 2026
1000 word equivalent, AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
Written work Essay
A choice of research essay questions will be provided
30% Week 12
Due date: 21 May 2026 at 23:59

Closing date: 25 Jun 2026
2000 wd AI allowed
Outcomes assessed: LO1 LO2 LO3
hurdle task = hurdle task ?
early feedback task = early feedback task ?

Early feedback task

This unit includes an early feedback task, designed to give you feedback prior to the census date for this unit. Details are provided in the Canvas site and your result will be recorded in your Marks page. It is important that you actively engage with this task so that the University can support you to be successful in this unit.

Assessment summary

Write research essay

Annotated Bibliography

Early Feedback

Student Participation

Detailed Information for each Assessment can be found on Canvas

Assessment criteria

Result name

Mark range

Description

High distinction

85 - 100

Learning outcomes demonstrated at an exceptional standard

Distinction

75 - 84

Learning outcomes demonstrated at a very high standard

Credit

65 - 74

Learning outcomes demonstrated at a good standard

Pass

50 - 64

Learning outcomes demonstrated at an acceptable standard

Fail

0 - 49

When you do not meet the learning outcomes of the unit to a satisfactory standard.

For more information see guide to grades.

Use of generative artificial intelligence (AI)

You can use generative AI tools for open assessments. Restrictions on AI use apply to secure, supervised assessments used to confirm if students have met specific learning outcomes.

Refer to the assessment table above to see if AI is allowed, for assessments in this unit and check Canvas for full instructions on assessment tasks and AI use.

If you use AI, you must always acknowledge it. Misusing AI may lead to a breach of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Late submission

In accordance with University policy, these penalties apply when written work is submitted after 11:59pm on the due date:

  • Deduction of 5% of the maximum mark for each calendar day after the due date.
  • After ten calendar days late, a mark of zero will be awarded.

This unit has an exception to the standard University policy or supplementary information has been provided by the unit coordinator. This information is displayed below:

As per standard assessment procedures

Academic integrity

The University expects students to act ethically and honestly and will treat all allegations of academic integrity breaches seriously.

Our website provides information on academic integrity and the resources available to all students. This includes advice on how to avoid common breaches of academic integrity. Ensure that you have completed the Academic Honesty Education Module (AHEM) which is mandatory for all commencing coursework students

Penalties for serious breaches can significantly impact your studies and your career after graduation. It is important that you speak with your unit coordinator if you need help with completing assessments.

Visit the Current Students website for more information on AI in assessments, including details on how to acknowledge its use.

Simple extensions

If you encounter a problem submitting your work on time, you may be able to apply for an extension of five calendar days through a simple extension.  The application process will be different depending on the type of assessment and extensions cannot be granted for some assessment types like exams.

Special consideration

If exceptional circumstances mean you can’t complete an assessment, you need consideration for a longer period of time, or if you have essential commitments which impact your performance in an assessment, you may be eligible for special consideration or special arrangements.

Special consideration applications will not be affected by a simple extension application.

Using AI responsibly

Co-created with students, AI in Education includes lots of helpful examples of how students use generative AI tools to support their learning. It explains how generative AI works, the different tools available and how to use them responsibly and productively.

Support for students

The Support for Students Policy reflects the University’s commitment to supporting students in their academic journey and making the University safe for students. It is important that you read and understand this policy so that you are familiar with the range of support services available to you and understand how to engage with them.

The University uses email as its primary source of communication with students who need support under the Support for Students Policy. Make sure you check your University email regularly and respond to any communications received from the University.

Learning resources and detailed information about weekly assessment and learning activities can be accessed via Canvas. It is essential that you visit your unit of study Canvas site to ensure you are up to date with all of your tasks.

If you are having difficulties completing your studies, or are feeling unsure about your progress, we are here to help. You can access the support services offered by the University at any time:

Support and Services (including health and wellbeing services, financial support and learning support)
Course planning and administration
Meet with an Academic Adviser

WK Topic Learning activity Learning outcomes
Week 01 Introduction to Myth, Method, and Worldviews Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Everyday Understandings of Myth Tutorial (1 hr) LO2
Week 02 Cosmic and Heroic Myths Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Hero and Monster Mythic Structures Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 03 Death, Afterlives, Moral Worlds Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Mapping Moral Values in Afterlife Myths Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 04 More-then-Human Myths Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
The Roles of Non-Human Actors Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 05 From Story to Method Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
How Classification Impacts on Interpretation Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO2 LO3
Week 06 Comparative and Structural Approaches to Religion Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Myth and Comparative Analysis Tutorial (1 hr) LO3
Week 07 Power, Ideology, and Interpretation Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Deconstructing Ideological Narratives Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 08 Practice, Body, Materiality Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Lived Religious Practice Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 09 Digital Knowledge and Conspiracies Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Digital Maps of Contemporary Myth Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 10 Essay Writing Workshop Lecture (2 hr) LO2 LO3
Workshopping Your Essay Plans Tutorial (1 hr) LO2 LO3
Week 11 Myths of Individualism and the Self Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Myths and Religions of Selfhood Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 12 Modernity, Secularity, and Authority Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Assessing Secular Sacred Assumptions Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3
Week 13 Futures, Ethics, Imaginations Lecture (2 hr) LO1 LO3
Future-Oriented Myths Tutorial (1 hr) LO1 LO3

Attendance and class requirements

Attendance and participation requirements as per Coursework policy

Study commitment

Typically, there is a minimum expectation of 1.5-2 hours of student effort per week per credit point for units of study offered over a full semester. For a 6 credit point unit, this equates to roughly 120-150 hours of student effort in total.

Required readings

A full list of readings will be found on Canvas

Learning outcomes are what students know, understand and are able to do on completion of a unit of study. They are aligned with the University's graduate qualities and are assessed as part of the curriculum.

At the completion of this unit, you should be able to:

  • LO1. Outline the history, concerns and practices of the academic study of religion
  • LO2. Practise core research skills appropriate to the discipline
  • LO3. Discuss diverse theoretical approaches to the study of myth

Graduate qualities

The graduate qualities are the qualities and skills that all University of Sydney graduates must demonstrate on successful completion of an award course. As a future Sydney graduate, the set of qualities have been designed to equip you for the contemporary world.

GQ1 Depth of disciplinary expertise

Deep disciplinary expertise is the ability to integrate and rigorously apply knowledge, understanding and skills of a recognised discipline defined by scholarly activity, as well as familiarity with evolving practice of the discipline.

GQ2 Critical thinking and problem solving

Critical thinking and problem solving are the questioning of ideas, evidence and assumptions in order to propose and evaluate hypotheses or alternative arguments before formulating a conclusion or a solution to an identified problem.

GQ3 Oral and written communication

Effective communication, in both oral and written form, is the clear exchange of meaning in a manner that is appropriate to audience and context.

GQ4 Information and digital literacy

Information and digital literacy is the ability to locate, interpret, evaluate, manage, adapt, integrate, create and convey information using appropriate resources, tools and strategies.

GQ5 Inventiveness

Generating novel ideas and solutions.

GQ6 Cultural competence

Cultural Competence is the ability to actively, ethically, respectfully, and successfully engage across and between cultures. In the Australian context, this includes and celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, knowledge systems, and a mature understanding of contemporary issues.

GQ7 Interdisciplinary effectiveness

Interdisciplinary effectiveness is the integration and synthesis of multiple viewpoints and practices, working effectively across disciplinary boundaries.

GQ8 Integrated professional, ethical, and personal identity

An integrated professional, ethical and personal identity is understanding the interaction between one’s personal and professional selves in an ethical context.

GQ9 Influence

Engaging others in a process, idea or vision.

Outcome map

Learning outcomes Graduate qualities
GQ1 GQ2 GQ3 GQ4 GQ5 GQ6 GQ7 GQ8 GQ9

This section outlines changes made to this unit following staff and student reviews.

This unit has taken into account feedback on alignment of tutorials to lectures, and has increased the relevance of readings to tutorial weeks.

none

Additional costs

nil

Site visit guidelines

nil

Work, health and safety

nil

Disclaimer

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