Stellar Mythos: Unfolding the Cultural and Historical Narratives

BY Jason Batt
In “Stellar Mythos: Unfolding the Cultural and Historical Narratives of the Cosmos”, we delve into the rich tapestry of star mythology and its lasting influence on our contemporary perspectives on space exploration and understanding. 

FORMAT

Weekly live sessions

ONLINE ACCESS

Progress at your own pace

6 WEEKS

2 hours per week

UPCOMING

SESSIONS

Starts Oct 7

Ends Nov 15

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ABOUT THIS COURSE

STELLAR MYTHOS: UNFOLDING THE CULTURAL AND HISTORICAL NARRATIVES

In “Stellar Mythos: Unfolding the Cultural and Historical Narratives of the Cosmos”, we delve into the rich tapestry of star mythology and its lasting influence on our contemporary perspectives on space exploration and understanding. This course explores how ancient civilizations’ observation and interpretation of celestial bodies have shaped scientific inquiries, storytelling, culture, and religion, leaving lasting impacts that resonate today. Through this course, students will gain historical, sociocultural, and scientific insights that will enrich their perspectives on space and its exploration.

Recommended prerequisites for students: The course requires a basic knowledge of general astronomy and an understanding of historical and cultural studies. Familiarity with different cultural mythologies and basic principles of sociology or anthropology can also enhance the learning experience. However, the course is designed to be accessible to those with minimal prior knowledge in these areas, with foundational concepts integrated into the curriculum to ensure all students can fully engage with the material.

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WHAT YOU’LL LEARN

  • Historical Understanding: Understand the historical context of star mythology across different cultures and civilizations, and recognize the significant roles stars played in shaping societies.
  • Interpretative Skills: Develop the ability to interpret and analyze different myths and narratives associated with the stars, using both primary and secondary sources.
  • Scientific Knowledge: Gain basic knowledge about constellations, their historical discoveries, and the evolution of astronomical studies.
  • Cross-Cultural Competence: Build an appreciation for the diversity of cultural interpretations of celestial phenomena and understand the universal human fascination with the cosmos.
  • Interdisciplinary Application: Apply concepts and insights from various fields such as anthropology, literature, art, and science to explore the complex relationship between human cultures and the stars.
  • Communication Skills: Improve written and oral communication skills through essays, presentations, and group discussions, presenting complex ideas in a clear, compelling manner.
  • Critical Thinking: Develop the ability to critically evaluate the impacts of historical star myths on modern space exploration, scientific research, and societal attitudes.
  • Ethical Reflection: Reflect on the ethical, philosophical, and practical implications of space exploration in light of historical narratives and future potential.
  • Research Skills: Enhance research skills through independent projects, including the ability to identify credible sources, synthesize information, and formulate original ideas.

SYLLABUS

This 6-week space course will be offered online once a week for two consecutive hours. This course explores how ancient civilizations’ observation and interpretation of celestial bodies have shaped scientific inquiries, storytelling, culture, and religion, leaving lasting impacts that resonate today.

Module I

Introduction to Stellar Mythology: Overview of the concept of mythology and its connection to the stars, with a discussion of why studying this is essential for understanding our current perception of space.

Module II

The Sky in Ancient Times: Examination of the significance of stars in ancient civilizations’ daily lives, including navigation, timekeeping, and early astronomical studies.

Cultural Constellations: Exploration of various cultures’ interpretations of constellations, from the Greeks and Romans to the indigenous tribes of North America, Asia, Africa, and Australia.

Module III

Religious Implications of the Stars: How ancient religions incorporated celestial bodies into their belief systems, including their influence on architecture and religious rites.

Mythological Stories and Legends: An exploration of the tales associated with celestial bodies, constellations, and their influence on literary traditions across cultures.

Module IV

From Mythology to Science: The transition from mythological interpretations of the stars to a scientific understanding, including the work of early astronomers and philosophers.

Contemporary Perceptions of Space: Discussion on how historical and cultural narratives about stars influence modern views and philosophies on space and its exploration.

Module V

Space Exploration and Mythology: Analysis of the narrative and symbolic elements used in the naming and mission designing in space exploration, reflecting ancient mythologies.

Interdisciplinary Approaches: Application of insights from anthropology, history, literature, art, and science to understand the complex relationships between stars, myths, and human culture.

Module VI

Future Perspectives: Discussion on how the study of star myths can inform our future relationship with space, including the ethical, philosophical, and practical implications of space exploration.

INSTRUCTOR

Jason Batt

Mythologist, futurist, artist, writer, Kepler Space University

Mythologist, futurist, artist, writer, and former teacher, Jason D. Batt is a PhD candidate finishing his dissertation on the mythologies of the future, in particular those of interstellar travel. He is a co-founder of Deep Space Predictive Research Group and of Project Lodestar. He serves as the senior editor of the Mythological Studies Journal—a peer-reviewed academic journal focused on the intersection of mythology and depth psychology. He is also the associate editor of the Journal of Space Philosophy.

WAYS TO ENROLL

Stellar Mythos: Unfolding the Cultural and Historical Narratives

In “Stellar Mythos: Unfolding the Cultural and Historical Narratives of the Cosmos”, we delve into the rich tapestry of star mythology and its lasting influence on our contemporary perspectives on space exploration and understanding. 

 

PROFESSIONAL $900 USD

EDUCATOR $500 USD

STUDENT $300 USD

Expert Instruction

Space Education

Online Access

Progress at your own pace

6 weeks

2 hours per week
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Training and Development Program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who can enroll?
Students from all walks of life are invited to enrol! All you need is access to email and a strong internet connection to participate in live sessions and watch KSU educational content.
When do courses start?
We launch new courses on an on going basis, so check back regularly to see our latest offerings. Sign up to our newsletter to keep up to date on new courses, delivered to your email wherever you are.
Will the sessions be recorded?
Live sessions will happen on Online. We encourage you to attend all sessions, but if you are unable to attend recordings will be shared with all course participants. (Note: All times are listed in EST.)
How do I take a course?
After you successfully enroll in a Course, you’ll get email notices as well as calendar invites to upcoming sessions. At the time of class, use the links provided to enter the classroom and log in as prompted.
What are the requirements to become a student?
The platform is available on desktops and mobile devices. ‍Please have your mic and camera ready to participate. Develop new skills and gain new experiences as you learn alongside others building humanity’s future in space.
Is there a waitlist for full courses?
Through individual and/or group research projects, with guidance from faculty advisor(s), students will have an opportunity to advance original research work and developing technologies in special studies in space philosophy. This course emphasizes investigating new territories of inquiry, including contributions to the knowledgebase of their chosen discipline, as well as development of an overall research framework to define aspects of that discipline related to space applications. Research programs should focus on theoretical and experimental positions drawn from the respective areas to enable contributions towards human space settlement. Skills development integrated throughout the course elements will emphasize writing, teamwork, the collaborative nature of the field, engineering tools used in space systems engineering, and data management and analysis.
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