For Stacey L. DiLiberto, Ph.D., an associate lecturer in Humanities & Cultural Studies, a lifelong fascination with mythology began with a trip to the library when she was about 9 years old.
She discovered D’Aulaires’ Book of Greek Myths and quickly became absorbed in its stories and illustrations.
“I devoured that book and read it repeatedly,” DiLiberto recalled. “It’s still one of my favorites, including its illustrations.”
That early curiosity grew into an academic interest in mythology and the ways stories can reveal how people understand themselves and the world around them. Now, DiLiberto is bringing that perspective to students through CLT 3378 – Comparative Mythology, offered in Spring 2027, a course that explores mythology across cultures and traditions.
While stories about gods, heroes and monsters may be the most familiar part of mythology, DiLiberto explains that the subject reaches far beyond them.
“Mythology encompasses the foundational stories and histories that make up our society,” she said. “Myths help explain natural phenomena, social customs, cultural values and collective identity.”
Through mythology, students can explore some of humanity’s biggest questions: Where do we come from? What is our purpose? What happens when we die? What does it mean to live a good life?
“Ultimately, these stories help us make sense of the world and our place within this universe,” DiLiberto said.
Looking Beyond Greek and Roman Mythology
Greek and Roman mythology may be among the most recognizable traditions, but DiLiberto emphasizes that “they represent only a small part of the world’s storytelling traditions.”
Her course will take students on what she describes as a “global tour” of myths and traditions. Classical mythology will have a significant place in the course, including familiar stories such as Odysseus’ journey in The Odyssey and the hero’s journey. But students will also encounter traditions from Indigenous Caribbean cultures, Asia and Africa.
“Every culture tells stories that help people understand themselves and their world,” DiLiberto explained. “The more traditions we study, the richer and more well-rounded our understanding of humanity becomes.”
Studying myths across cultures can also reveal unexpected connections.
Different traditions may approach questions about creation, morality and human nature in remarkably similar ways. At the same time, their differences can offer insight into the distinct values and experiences of the cultures that created them.
“By examining those similarities and differences, students can develop a greater sense of empathy and cross-cultural awareness,” DiLiberto said.
What Myths Reveal About Us
Myths do not have to be historical accounts to tell us something meaningful about the people who created and shared them.
“Whether or not a myth depicts a real or true event is often less important than what the story reveals about the people who believed, shared and adapted it,” DiLiberto noted.
For example, creation myths can reveal how a culture understands humanity’s relationship with nature. Some stories may portray nature as something humans are meant to control, while others may emphasize coexistence and stewardship.
“Myths, even if considered make-believe, preserve cultural memory,” DiLiberto said.
For DiLiberto, that makes mythology a valuable way to examine cultural values, including ideas about justice, leadership, nature and morality.
Ancient Stories, Modern Culture
Although mythology is often associated with the distant past, its influence remains visible throughout contemporary culture.
“Mythology never disappeared, and it’s everywhere in contemporary culture,” DiLiberto said.
Modern films, novels, television shows, comics and video games continue to draw from mythological traditions, characters and themes. The hero’s journey, a narrative pattern associated with mythology scholar Joseph Campbell, appears throughout popular storytelling.
Franchises and films such as Black Panther, Thor, Moana, Harry Potter and Star Wars engage with mythological traditions and archetypes in different ways. Contemporary authors have also reimagined ancient myths for modern audiences, including Rick Riordan’s Percy Jackson series and Madeline Miller’s Circe.
“Advertisers, musicians, artists and even sports teams use mythic symbols and imagery,” DiLiberto explained.
For DiLiberto, that continued influence demonstrates why mythology remains relevant.
“What fascinates me most is that mythology combines culture, storytelling and human experience,” she said. “Even though many of these stories are ancient, they continue to shape the books we read, the films we watch, the art we make and consume, and the ways we understand ourselves and our communities.”
And, she adds, there is another reason she remains drawn to the subject: “I love monster stories, and mythology has an incredible pantheon of monsters.”
Making Meaning Through Storytelling
Throughout the course, DiLiberto hopes students will begin to see mythology differently — not simply as a collection of unusual stories from long ago, but as a reflection of the people and cultures behind them.
“By the end of the course, I hope students see mythology not as a collection of strange old stories but as a powerful way people make sense of the world,” she said.
She also hopes students leave with a greater appreciation for the ways stories shape cultures, values and identities.
“You don’t need to be an expert,” DiLiberto emphasized. “If you’re curious about stories, cultures, and how humans create meaning, you’re already prepared to study mythology.”
For DiLiberto, that curiosity is where it all begins — just as it did for her decades ago in a library, with a book of Greek myths.
“I also think that they’re a great example of the human spirit and our capabilities as a species for creativity.”
Ready to explore the stories that shape us? Enroll in CLT 3378 – Comparative Mythology.