Joseph Campbell: The Power of Myth (Book and DVD series)

Considered one of the greatest interviews ever recorded, the encounter between mythologist Joseph Campbell and journalist Bill Moyers covers a galaxy of topics related to Campbell’s writings on mythology. The quintessential storyteller, Campbell describes a wide spectrum of myths from throughout history (Japanese, Native American, Egyptian, Mayan, and many more) to illustrate humankind’s eternal quest to grasp the mysteries of creation.

An astute interviewer, Moyers finds the perfect  hook for a global audience, examining Campbell’s admiration of George Lucas’s Star Wars saga as a popular tapestry of ancient myths, and Lucas himself is interviewed in the video series. Campbell’s seemingly endless well of knowledge reaches a simple conclusion: we need myths to survive like we need oxygen to breathe, as a life force with which to understand our existence—past, present, and future.

Class will meet on Wednesdays, March 21, April 4, April 18, May 2, May 16 and May 30 from 11:00 to 12:30. You will need a copy of the book The Power of Myth which we will read in conjunction with watching the video series of Bill Moyers interviewing Campbell.