This document contains notes from an introduction to classical mythology lecture. It discusses the differences between mythology and history, noting that mythology is based on traditional stories and oral tradition while history is based on research and inquiry. It also notes that history cannot escape its mythological past as historians like Herodotus and Thucydides incorporated mythical stories into their historical accounts. The lecturer emphasizes important distinctions between the two, such as mythology lacking clear timelines and favoring supernatural explanations while history has timelines and favors rational explanations.

1. Introduction to Classical Mythology Dr. Michael Broder University of South Carolina February 28, 2012

2. Please write your Daily Write on a complete sheet of paper, not a half sheet, and not a sheet with other Daily Writes already on it. Violators will be docked 1 point no matter how good their answer is.

3. If you leave the room early, I will ask for your name and deduct 1 point from your Daily Write. If it’s an emergency we can discuss it at another time. But I know it is usually NOT an emergency. And I will not tolerate it without a penalty.

9. The human condition is a central concern of humanism.

12. Mythology is part of the humanities.

21. So why study history in a mythology class?

22. Because history cannot escape its mythological past!

27. Introduction to Classical Mythology Dr. Michael Broder University of South Carolina February 28, 2012