Week Five Notes: Final Course Success Check-In (Hero's Journey)
Week Five: Final Course Success Check-in
Course logistics and expectations
Review the syllabus and late policy thoroughly in preparation for the upcoming partial week: Week 6 is a concise, partial week, which means deadlines may be adjusted or compressed, requiring careful time management and an understanding of specific submission windows.
Emphasize the critical importance of citing all sources for every piece of work submitted. This is fundamental to upholding academic integrity, avoiding plagiarism, and demonstrating proper research practices. All claims, ideas, or information not considered common knowledge must be correctly attributed.
If clarity is needed or questions arise, proactive engagement is encouraged through several preferred channels: participate in Q&A sessions for live interaction, utilize the course community forum for peer and instructor support and broader discussion, or send private messages directly to the instructor if the query is sensitive or personal in nature.
Actively engage with available help resources; this includes carefully reading all provided feedback on assignments to understand areas for improvement, diligently following APA guidelines for all citations to ensure consistency and correctness, and leveraging university support services such as writing centers, academic advising, or tutoring services for additional assistance.
Support and accessibility
Don’t stay silent about questions or remain uncertain, as your academic progress and grades are directly at stake; active inquiry consistently leads to improved learning outcomes and better assignment results. Proactive communication is key to success.
Consistent adherence to APA standards is mandatory for all citations; make a habit of consulting personalized feedback from your instructor to identify specific areas for improvement in future academic writing and citation practices.
Should you feel uncomfortable articulating questions or concerns in public forums, remember you have the option to reach out to the instructor privately for confidential and personalized assistance, ensuring that all students have access to support.
Written assignment overview (creative in scope)
Task: The primary objective is to creatively conceptualize and detail the various steps of the hero's journey through either an infographic or a PowerPoint presentation. This assignment encourages both research and artistic expression.
Format options: Both a poster (which an infographic is a type of) or a dedicated infographic format are valid and encouraged. A PowerPoint presentation is offered as a flexible and completely acceptable alternative if these graphic-intensive formats present technical challenges or higher anxiety.
Content should cover the 10 steps of the hero's journey as discussed in primary course materials. Be aware that some external sources or alternative models may refer to 12 steps; a specific video has been provided in the course to clarify and address the nuances of the 12-step version and guide your approach.
Comprehensive related information and detailed guidelines for these steps are readily accessible within the course content area, serving as invaluable resources for your assignment planning and execution.
Citations are absolutely required for all external information or ideas used, including any visual content that is not original; however, it's important to note that a separate cover page is not necessary for this assignment, regardless of format.
If you opt for PowerPoint, you are permitted to include an introductory cover slide within the presentation itself, but there is no requirement for an additional, standalone cover page beyond that, regardless of the format chosen.
Practical formatting guidance for submissions
Avoid external templates: It is strongly advised against downloading or purchasing templates from unverified external websites, as they may contain hidden malware, compromise the integrity of your work, or fail to meet the specific academic and technical specifications of this course.
You can effectively utilize standard PowerPoint software to fulfill all requirements; ensure that your visuals are engaging and directly relevant to the content, with a clear and intuitive layout that enhances readability. Text should be concise and presented in easily digestible bullet points rather than lengthy, dense paragraphs, which are generally less effective in visual presentations.
Strive for a cohesive visual theme throughout your chosen format – whether infographic or PowerPoint – paired with a clean, uncluttered layout. Multiple presentation formats are acceptable, allowing you to choose the one that best suits your comfort level, technical skills, and creative vision.
While infographics can be a dynamic and enjoyable way to present information, if you experience high anxiety regarding graphic design or technical skills, a well-structured PowerPoint presentation is an entirely acceptable and equally valued alternative. The primary goal is clear and effective communication of the content.
What the hero's journey and archetypes are, and why they matter
Archetypes (Carl Gustav Jung)
Archetypes, as conceptualized by pioneering psychologist Carl Gustav Jung, are universal, archaic patterns and images that derive from the collective unconscious and are the psychic residue of numberless experiences of the same kind. They are symbolic figures or images that hold profound meaning and assist humanity in constructing sense from the world (e.g., the universally recognized Mother archetype, which represents nurturing, creation, and life-giving aspects in various cultures).
These archetypes exist as foundational, general concepts that transcend any single individual, providing a framework through which we can interpret fundamental roles and figures in storytelling and life, such as the hero, mentor, shadow, maiden, or wise old man. They are not specific people but rather innate patterns of psychic energy that organize human experience.
Jung powerfully argued that storytelling—manifesting as myth in ancient societies and evolving into fiction in later eras—serves as the primary vehicle for transmitting vital cultural information, wisdom, and psychological understanding across successive generations. This process not only preserves the archetypes but also the universal steps and lessons that assist individuals and communities in navigating and comprehending their world and their place within it.
Campbell and the monomyth (Joseph Campbell)
Joseph Campbell, a renowned literary scholar and mythologist, meticulously built upon Jungian psychological ideas by meticulously examining cross-cultural storytelling through his extensive work in comparative literature.
He advanced the groundbreaking concept of the monomyth, or the universal story cycle, proposing that across diverse cultures, time periods, and languages, there are shared story structures and recurring character types. This phenomenon arises because humans share similar fundamental concerns, experiences, and psychological needs.
The hero is typically a person in a community who interacts with others (such as mentors, guardians, and companions) along their transformative journey, indicating that the journey is rarely undertaken in isolation.
The journey includes encounters with a variety of archetypal figures and recurring challenges: companions offering support, animal or human mentors providing guidance and wisdom, shadows/nightmares or inner demons representing internal struggles, temptations that test resolve, and evil forces or antagonists presenting external dangers. Additionally, supportive figures such as caretakers, nurturers, mothers, lovers, or goddesses also appear to aid the hero.
The hero’s journey in practice (elements and dynamics)
The hero is always positioned within a community context and engages dynamically with various archetypal figures that either accompany or challenge them throughout their quest.
Common roles around the hero include:
Companions/mentors/guardians: Figures who provide assistance, wisdom, or protection.
Animal or symbolic companions: Non-human allies who often offer unique forms of aid or insight.
Shadows, nightmares, or inner demons: Represent the hero's internal conflicts, fears, or darker aspects that must be confronted.
Antagonists representing evil or danger: External forces or individuals who oppose the hero's progress.
Caretakers and nurturers (mothers, lovers, goddesses): Figures who provide emotional, physical, or spiritual sustenance.
Temptations: Situations or desires that test the hero's commitment to their quest and values.
The journey is not just about personal growth but also serves as a crucial cultural learning process—stories teach audiences about appropriate behaviors, ethical choices, and what to do (or not to do) in similar challenging situations in real life.
Case study example: Harry Potter (as a familiar touchstone)
Companions: Ron Weasley and Hermione Granger are essential supportive friends who provide emotional, intellectual, and practical assistance throughout Harry’s trials.
Mentors/guardians: Albus Dumbledore and other Hogwarts teachers (e.g., Professor McGonagall, Hagrid) provide crucial guidance, wisdom, and protection, often steering Harry towards understanding his true purpose and abilities.
Animal companions: Hedwig the owl serves as a loyal messenger and companion; more broadly, Hogwarts students often have animal associations (e.g., house animals).
Shadows/nightmares: Recurrent visions and the scar on his forehead symbolize Harry’s deep connection to Voldemort and the trauma he carries; parental loss profoundly shapes his fears, motivations, and sense of belonging.
Evil forces: Various antagonists, most notably Lord Voldemort and his Death Eaters, represent the overarching evil and danger throughout the series, constantly challenging Harry.
Caretakers: The Dursleys, though abusive, shape his early life and his initial sense of not belonging, while later familial figures and the Weasleys provide a true sense of belonging and care.
The narrative remarkably aligns with Campbell’s framework for a hero navigating a dangerous landscape with a complex web of allies, mentors, and ever-present internal and external temptations.
This example vividly demonstrates how a Young Adult (YA) narrative can effectively introduce readers to profound cultural ideas about courage, loyalty, sacrifice, and personal growth within an engaging story.
Variations of the hero’s journey (types of journeys)
Possible configurations of the hero's journey archetype include: a quest (seeking something valuable), a task (completing a specific objective), a journey (a long transformative process), or a fall (experiencing a downfall or failure with a potential path to redemption).
This variety mirrors structural elements commonly found in role-playing games and beloved fantasy settings (e.g., the epic narratives in Dungeons & Dragons, or traditional medieval/renaissance adventures).
Real-life application: You may frame your chosen hero’s journey in the assignment as a quest (e.g., seeking higher education), a task (e.g., overcoming a major challenge at work), a journey (e.g., a multi-year personal transformation), or a fall (e.g., overcoming a significant setback).
Examples: Frodo Baggins from The Lord of the Rings clearly represents a journey/quest; other stories, such as those of tragic figures, might center around a fall as the central arc.
Guidance for your assignment (how to proceed)
Decide who your hero is: This can be you personally, someone you know (with their permission and appropriate anonymization if needed), or a fictional hero from literature, film, or mythology.
You can reflect on a real or fictional hero; the key is a consistent progression through the specific steps of the journey as outlined in the course content, ensuring a clear narrative arc.
Engage with peers: Discuss your ideas and proposed journey mapping in the course community to gain diverse perspectives, receive constructive feedback, and refine your approach before final submission.
If you have questions, reach out via Q&A sessions, the course community forum, or a private message to the instructor—do not hesitate to seek clarification.
Remember: the faculty genuinely encourages questions and active engagement to support your success in this course and on this assignment.
Practical considerations for completing the assignment
The 10-step model is often used in the course materials, though some external sources discuss a 12-step version; a dedicated video and an announcement for the week address the 12-step version to help those who encounter it. Ensure you accurately map your hero’s journey to the model specified in your course section.
The specific steps are detailed in the course content; ensure you accurately map your chosen hero’s journey events or experiences to these prescribed steps.
You are allowed to present through a poster or infographic, or a PowerPoint presentation, offering flexibility based on your preference and skill set.
You must cite your sources using APA format; no separate cover page is required for the submission.
Use visuals effectively: incorporate relevant images, clear bullet points, and a clean layout to enhance readability and engagement. Avoid large, dense blocks of text that can overwhelm the viewer.
You can choose to include a PowerPoint cover slide if you prefer, but it’s not required to have an extra, separate cover page beyond what’s included in the main file.
Do not rely on paid templates or downloader services; use your own content and original layouts to fulfill the assignment requirements.
Ethical, philosophical, and practical implications
Archetypes reflect cultural norms and values; presenting them responsibly requires considering diverse representations and avoiding harmful stereotypes. Be mindful of the messages conveyed.
The hero’s journey as a framework can profoundly shape how students perceive growth, resilience, and community responsibility; it invites reflection on how stories teach real-world behaviors and ethical choices.
Engagement with community (through peer discussion) and transparency about sources (through APA citation) supports academic integrity and fosters critical thinking skills.
The discussion of 10 vs 12 steps highlights that scholarly models can vary; students should understand the rationale for their chosen framework and clearly cite their sources for that model.
Connections to prior learning and real-world relevance
Links to Jungian psychology: Archetypes are explored as universal symbols rooted in the collective unconscious that help organize human experience and understanding.
Links to Campbell’s monomyth: Cross-cultural patterns in storytelling reveal shared human concerns, experiences, and universal psychological truths.
Real-world relevance: Recognizing archetypes in contemporary media and various narratives enhances critical media literacy and encourages personal reflection on individual growth journeys and life challenges.
The assignment supports developing essential academic skills in synthesis (combining information), visual communication (presenting ideas graphically), citation practices (APA), and productive peer discussion.
Final reminders and encouragement
If you’re anxious about the assignment, remember there are multiple ways to present (infographic or PowerPoint) and you have access to abundant support resources and fellow students.
All the best for the week; reach out to the instructor if you need any help achieving success.
Quick reference: key numbers and labels to remember
Hero’s journey steps: 10 steps (commonly used in course materials) and a 12-step variant discussed in a supplementary video.
Week references: Week 5 (current), Week 6 (partial week).
Presentation formats: Poster/infographic or PowerPoint; a separate cover page is not required outside of a potential cover slide in PowerPoint.
Suggested action plan for next steps
Review the course content on the hero’s journey to confirm the exact steps used in your section (10 vs 12) and how they map to your chosen hero.
Decide on your hero (self, someone you know, or a fictional character) and outline a planned sequence illustrating their progression through the specified steps.
Draft the infographic or slide deck with clear bullet points, engaging visual elements, and a consistent theme throughout to ensure clarity and impact.
Prepare APA-formatted citations for all sources, actively paraphrasing external information with proper attribution to avoid plagiarism.
Engage with peers in the course community to refine ideas and gain valuable feedback before the assignment submission deadline.
Closing note
The instructor emphasizes ongoing support and availability to help you succeed this week and in the partial week ahead, reinforcing a commitment to student achievement.