Universitat Internacional de Catalunya
Cultural Foundations: Myths: Teachers for Life
Other languages of instruction: English, Spanish
Introduction
This course starts from a clear conviction: myths are not ancient tales, but maps of meaning that have survived because they name something essential about the human condition. From Prometheus to Antigone, from Icarus to Aeneas, including biblical myths and wisdom narratives from other cultures, we will learn to 'read' myths as teachers of life: narratives that guide decisions, refine moral awareness, illuminate emotions and conflicts, and help us understand the structure of reality.
The course is designed for university students seeking intellectual and practical tools for everyday life: identity and vocation, limits and freedom, love and desire, leadership and service, power and law, success and failure, suffering and hope. We will combine rigorous introductory teaching, discussion of texts, analysis of contemporary adaptations (films, series and social media), and brief exercises applying this learning to university and professional life.
Pre-course requirements
No specific prerequisites are required.
Objectives
1. Understand the anthropological, ethical and spiritual value of myths as forms of knowledge.
2. Develop hermeneutic skills to interpret classical and non-classical myths in dialogue with contemporary life.
3. Translate mythical wisdom into personal decisions and habits: study, work, relationships, emotional management and purpose.
4. Recognise in myths key elements of a Christian humanist perspective open to dialogue with other traditions.
Competences/Learning outcomes of the degree programme
- 11 - To be familiar with the main concepts and theories related to humanity and society.
- 45 - To be able to work with academic papers.
- 50 - To acquire the ability to relate concepts, analyse and synthesise.
- 52 - To develop interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of a team.
- 53 - To acquire the skills necessary to learn autonomously.
- 54 - To be able to express one’s ideas and formulate arguments in a logical and coherent way, both verbally and in writing.
- 56 - To be able to create arguments which are conducive to critical and self-critical thinking.
- 60 - To acquire knowledge that promotes respect for other cultures and habits.
- 62 - To acquire mechanisms that facilitate the adoption of ethical commitments.
- 64 - To be able to plan and organise one's work.
- 68 - To develop mechanisms that encourage sensitivity towards social welfare issues.
Learning outcomes of the subject
By the end of the course, students will be able to:
• Explain why and how myths convey practical knowledge about living well.
• Interpret selected myths, identifying their symbolic structure and contemporary relevance.
• Develop an original, creative and well-grounded argument, orally and in writing, connecting myth and experience.
• Produce a reflective portfolio showing changes in perspective and concrete applications to their university and professional life.
Syllabus
1. Introduction: what a myth is and why myths remain teachers of life today.
2. Sisyphus: resilience and the meaning of effort.
3. Icarus: ambition, prudence and limits.
4. Narcissus: identity and egocentrism in the age of screens.
5. Orpheus and Eurydice: love, loss and hope.
6. Prometheus: technology, power and responsibility.
7. The allegory of the cave: critical thinking and overcoming ignorance.
8. Oedipus: destiny, freedom and self-knowledge.
9. Hercules: work well done, redemption and moral fortitude.
10. Eros and Psyche: emotional maturity and trust.
11. Pygmalion: expectations, self-esteem and real change.
12. Theseus and the Minotaur: facing the shadow and fear.
13. Persephone: life cycles, crisis and rebirth.
14. Odysseus: the inner journey, temptations and perseverance.
15. Conclusion: an integrative synthesis and a personal project.
Teaching and learning activities
In person
• Discussion-based classes with short lectures to contextualise authors, figures and symbols.
• Guided reading of passages and analysis of scenes from films and series.
• An application journal (a brief entry of 10–12 lines per session): 'what it tells me / how I apply it'.
• Debates and short presentations (3–5 minutes) to practise synthesis and academic public speaking.
• Tutorials focused on the personal project (study, habits and vocational decisions).
• An integrative final assignment: a short essay or reflective portfolio connecting 2–3 myths with a real-life challenge (academic, relational or professional).
Schedule: classes on Mondays during the first semester. Teaching ends in the week of 12 December 2026. The distribution of topics will follow the official academic calendar and non-teaching days.
Evaluation systems and criteria
In person
First examination sitting:
• Final examination (60%): an integrative written examination on the concepts studied.
• Continuous assessment (40%): class participation, assignments and practical activities.
Requirement: to pass the course, students must obtain a mark of at least 5/10 in the final examination.
Second examination sitting:
• Final examination (100%): an integrative written examination on the concepts studied.
Bibliography and resources
The course is based on the book Los mitos: maestros de vida, by Quim Muñoz.
It will be supplemented with texts by Karen Armstrong, Mircea Eliade, Joseph Campbell, Robert Graves, Pierre Grimal, C. S. Lewis, Jean Chevalier, Pierre Hadot and other authors.