WRHS Mythology '09 - '10

Week at a glance May 24 - 26, 2010

2010-05-24T07:52:00.000-05:00

We cross our bridges when we come to them and burn them behind us, with nothing to show for our progress except a memory of the smell of smoke, and a presumption that once our eyes watered." ~ Tom Stoppard, Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead

Thanks for a wonderful year!

Mon: 4th and 6th hour finals
Tues: 2nd, 3rd, and 7th hour finals
Wed: 1st and 5th hour finals

Week at a glance May 17 - 21, 2010

2010-05-13T11:00:00.002-05:00

Mon: Celtic Mythology - notes and discussion in class
Tues: Celtic Mythology - notes and discussion in class
Wed: Hawaiian Mythology - notes and discussion in class
Thurs: Japanese Mythology: Ninjas - notes and discussion in class
Fri: Japanese Mythology: Samurai - notes and discussion in class

Week at a glance May 10 - 14, 2010

2010-05-09T12:22:00.002-05:00

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

Seniors are gone, taking away roughly 70% of our class with them. Our major units are also complete. Therefore the last two weeks of the semester will be an exploration of the possibilities of Modern Mythology. Students will explore possibilities and conduct their own research to determine how we could define Modern Mythology, its characteristics, and its explanations for the world around us.

Mon: Modern Mythology - notes and discussion in class
Tues: Modern Mythology - notes and discussion in class
Wed: Modern Mythology - notes and discussion in class
Thurs: Modern Mythology - notes and discussion in class
Fri: Modern Mythology - notes and discussion in class. In-class assignment due by the end of the hour.

Week at a glance May 3 - 7, 2010

2010-04-30T09:56:00.003-05:00

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week we'll wrap up our unit over English mythology and our focus over the legends of King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table. We'll begin the week with a discussion of the Quest for the Holy Grail. We'll then move on to the end of the Arthurian Legend as we discuss the fall of Camelot and the "death" of King Arthur. We'll wrap up the week with a review and an exam.

Mon: No school
Tues: Assignment due: Comparing the English and French Traditions. The Arthurian Legend - The Quest for the Holy Grail. Notes and discussion.
Wed: The Arthurian Legend - The "Passing" of Arthur. Notes and discussion.
Thurs: Review for English Mythology Exam
Fri: English Mythology Exam

Week at a glance April 26 - 30, 2010

2010-04-22T09:23:00.002-05:00

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week we'll begin by bridging the gap between Norse and English mythology by reading and discussing Beowulf. From there we'll take a look at one of my personal favorite mythologies: the legend of King Arthur, Camelot, and the Knights of the Round Table. One might argue that the Arthurian Legend does not deserve mythological study because it lacks a pantheon of gods and is mainly about people. However, like most mythologies we've studied, the Arthurian Legend is a rich set of stories written by various authors over a 1500-year period. Also like other mythologies, authors and artists have used the tales of the Arthurian Legend as mirrors so that they could study their own age. We'll push through a brief overview of the legend's main points throughout the week.

Mon: English Mythology - Read and discuss Beowulf, pgs 269 - 288. Finish reading on your own what we do not finish in class.
Tues: English Mythology - Finish Beowulf discussion. Beowulf assignment due by the end of the hour.
Wed: English Mythology - The Arthurian Legend - Overview and notes in class
Thurs: English Mythology - The Arthurian Legend - The British Tradition. Readings and notes in class.
Fri: English Mythology - The Arthurian Legend - The French Tradition. Readings and notes in class. Study guide due by the end of the hour.

Week at a glance April 19 - 23, 2010

2010-04-15T07:52:00.002-05:00

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week students will wrap up their research for their Mythology Research Project. Groups will meet in the classroom this week and polish their presentations. An electronic copy of all presentations is due by the beginning of the hour on Wednesday. This due date is to ensure that students have the chance to rehearse their presentations at least one day before they are due to present. We'll wrap up the week with presentations on Thursday and Friday.

Mon: Mythology Research Project - Meet in the classroom and synthesize research.
Tues: Mythology Research Project - Meet in the classroom and finish the project.
Wed: Mythology Research Project - Electronic copy of the presentation due at the beginning of the hour. Rehearse the presentation.
Thurs: Mythology Research Project - Group presentations
Fri: Mythology Research Project - Group presentations

Week at a glance April 12 - 16, 2010

2010-04-11T19:05:00.001-05:00

Mon: Meet in the library to begin work on the Mythology Research Project
Tues: Continue research for the Mythology Research Project
Wed: Begin designing the PowerPoint for the Mythology Research Project
Thurs: Continue work for Mythology Research Project
Fri: Complete all library research for the Mythology Research Project.

Week at a glance April 5 - 9, 2010

2010-04-01T10:54:00.002-05:00

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week we'll wrap up our work studying the various myths of Norse mythology. We'll read and discuss "Sigurd the Volsung." This famous myth became the basis for the German epic Nibelungenleid and Richard Wagner's "Ring Cycle" opera. On Wednesday (Odin's Day), we'll finally see Ragnarok, the Twilight of the Gods. We'll also begin preparing for the Thursday exam over Norse Mythology. We'll wrap up the week by preparing for the Mythology Research Project. This will be a group research project in which groups will be responsible for researching and presenting an assigned mythology. We'll have more details as the week progresses.

Mon: Norse Mythology - "The Valkyrie" and "Sigurd the Volsung," begin reading and discussing the story.
Tues: Norse Mythology - "Sigurd the Volsung," finish reading and discussing the story. Study guide due by the end of the hour.
Wed: Norse Mythology - Ragnarok, the Twilight of the Gods, reading and discussion. Review for exam.
Thurs: Norse Mythology Exam
Fri: Mythology Research Project - Assemble groups, assign topics, overview of the assignment.

Week at a glance March 29 - April 2, 2010

2010-03-28T16:27:00.002-05:00

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week, we continue our unit over Norse mythology. So far we've identified the major gods and goddesses of Norse mythology and we've read through a few of their minor stories. One theme we've already seen emerge from the mythology is a sense of tragic foreboding as we know that the gods of Asgard are doomed. This week, we look at the first major response to the approaching end as we begin the week with Odin making a sacrifice for wisdom and Loki committing the first acts of betrayal. It's a tense week in which we'll see the beginning of the end.

Mon: Norse Mythology - Ominous forebodings - Read and discuss Odin as Vegtam the Wanderer and other stories
Tues: Norse Mythology - Odin stories assignment. Read and discuss the Adventures of Thor and Loki among the Giants
Wed: Norse Mythology - Finish Thor and Loki stories. Begin Loki the Betrayer and other stories.
Thurs: Norse Mythology - The beginning of the end - finish Loki the Betrayer and other stories; study guide due by the end of the hour
Fri: No school - district in-service

Week at a glance March 22 - 26, 2010

2010-03-21T08:40:00.004-05:00

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week, we begin our unit over Norse mythology. We'll begin with an overview of the cultural background, pantheon, and mythology. During this first week, we'll read and analyze the Norse creation story and stories about the women of Asgard. Students should pay particular attention to this unit as it has been extremely influential on our society in everything from our days of the week (Tuesday - Friday, especially) to fantasy literature (J.R.R. Tolkien was a Oxford professor of it and its influence on Lord of the Rings is indisputable). Students will likely have several "a-ha!" moments as they recognize the subtle Norse mythological influences on their lives.

Mon: Norse Mythology - Cultural Background, Pantheon and Mythology Overview, notes in class.
Tues: Norse Mythology - "The Creation, Death, and Rebirth of the Universe," textbook pages 208 - 213, discussion. Study guide due by the end of the hour.
Wed: Norse Mythology - The Norse gods and the creation of Asgard. Readings and discussion.
Thurs: Norse Mythology - Loki as a trickster figure. Reading and discussion.
Fri: Norse Mythology - Norse stories of loss. Readings and discussion. Study guide due by the end of the hour.

Week at a glance March 8 -12, 2010

2010-03-04T09:56:00.002-06:00

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

China has a unique and rich storytelling style as many of its stories are circular in structure, adding more details as they go along. China also has a rich magical tradition with heroic warriors in a story genre called wuxia. We will analyze the Chinese storytelling style and the wuxia tradition by watching and discussing clips from the Oscar-nominated and award-winning movie Hero (2002). We'll wrap up the week with a celebration of the end of the 3rd quarter: passing back papers and current grades and previewing what we'll do for the 4th quarter.

Mon: Chinese Mythology - the Chinese storytelling tradition and the wuxia hero. Notes and discussion in class.
Tues: Chinese Mythology - the wuxia hero. Watch and discuss clips from the movie Hero.
Wed: Chinese Mythology - the wuxia hero. Watch and discuss clips from the movie Hero. Study guide due by the end of the hour.
Thurs: Celebrate the end of the 3rd quarter. Pass back papers and current grades. Preview the 4th quarter.
Fri: SPRING BREAK begins. Have fun and be safe!

Week at a glance March 1-5, 2010

2010-02-25T09:27:00.003-06:00

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week we turn to a two week unit on mythology from Japan and China. We'll start with Japanese/Ainu mythology. As usual with any region's mythology, we'll start with the creation story of the region and discover its major gods and heroes. From Japan, we'll move on to China to discover its rich mythological traditions. Though Western culture was separated from China by thousands of miles and discovery of one another, students will find Chinese mythology and its tales to be as familiar as any Greek or Norse tale.

Mon: Japanese mythology -"The Creation of the Universe and Japan" and "Amaterasu," pgs 369 - 376.
Tues: Japanese/Ainu folktales - read and discuss in class. Study guide due by the end of the hour.
Wed: Chinese mythology - "The Creation of the Universe," "Yi the Archer and the Ten Suns," and "The Quest for the Sun," pgs 360 - 369 - read and discuss in class. Study guide due by the end of the hour.
Thurs: Chinese mythology - Sun Wukong, the Monkey god - read and discuss in class.
Fri: Chinese mythology - Chinese folktales - read and discuss in class. Study guide due by the end of the hour.

Week at a glance Feb 22 - 26, 2010

2010-02-18T12:18:00.000-06:00

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week we turn to Ancient Egypt for a study of their mythology. We'll spend Monday getting to know the Ancient Egyptians and their pantheon. We'll then read one of the most famous Egyptian myths as we explore the romantic tale of Isis and Osiris. We'll explore other Egyptian myths on Wednesday. On Thursday we'll do a wrap up and review and discuss the most important things we can learn about mythology from a study of the ancient Middle Eastern regions. We'll wrap up the week with a quiz over Middle Eastern Mythology.

Mon: Middle Eastern Mythology - Part II: Ancient Egypt, notes in class
Tues: Middle Eastern Mythology - read and discuss "Osiris, Isis, and Horus," pages 162 - 168. Assignment due by the end of the hour.
Wed: Middle Eastern Mythology - Other Myths of Ancient Egypt, discuss notes in class and complete assignment by the end of the hour.
Thurs: Middle Eastern Mythology - Wrap up and review.
Fri: Middle Eastern Mythology - quiz.

Week at a glance Feb 15 - 19, 2010

2010-02-11T16:05:00.002-06:00

Classical Mythology Unit Exam grades - Exam grades are now posted and can be viewed online in Parent Portal. We will go over the exam and answer any questions once all make-up exams are complete.

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week we finally move away from Greek Mythology and begin what will be a pattern of two-week units exploring various other major mythologies from around the world. Our next unit will focus on the Middle East, specifically Mesopotamia and Egypt. These two regions give us some of the oldest myths and stories that we have in recorded human history. We'll discuss each culture's timeline, its major gods and goddesses, and its primary myths. We'll also use what we learned about mythology in general to look for recurring patterns or archetypes to be discovered in the myths.

Mon: No school
Tues: The Mesopotamian Cultures: Sumeria and Babylonia - Discussion and notes in class.
Wed: Sumeria and Babylonia - "The Enuma elish," pgs 153 - 158. Other myths. Read and discuss in class.
Thurs: Sumeria and Babylonia - Finish discussion of other myths. Study guide due by the end of the hour.
Fri: Sumeria and Babylonia - "Gilgamesh," pgs 174 -203. Begin reading and discussing in class. Read to page 203 for Monday.

2010-02-05T09:48:00.002-06:00

Curriculum focus: determines meaning of words through knowledge of Greek and Latin roots (1.3.K3a), identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of personification (1.3.K4g), identifies, interprest, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week we'll wrap up our unit over Greek Mythology. We'll start the week by finishing our discussion over Homer's "The Odyssey." We'll do a quick overview of Virgil's "The Aeneid" on Tuesday. At that point we'll take a look at the exam study guide. On Wednesday we'll do a Jeopardy-style review for the unit exam. We'll complete the unit with the Greek Mythology Unit Exam on Thursday.

Mon: Finish reading and discussing "The Odyssey," pgs 77-110. Study guide due at the beginning of the hour on Tues.
Tues: Overview of Virgil's "The Aeneid," pgs 119-146. Begin reviewing for the Greek Mythology Unit Exam.
Wed: Jeopardy-style review for the Greek Mythology Unit Exam.
Thurs: Greek Mythology Unit Exam
Fri: No school

Week at a glance Feb 1 - 5, 2010

2010-01-29T09:22:00.002-06:00

Curriculum focus: determines meaning of words through knowledge of Greek and Latin roots (1.3.K3a), identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of personification (1.3.K4g), identifies, interprest, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week we come to one of the primary and most long-enduring stories in Greek mythology: the Trojan War. We'll start the week with some background notes over the war to learn why it started and who was involved. We'll read through a summary of Homer's The Iliad. We'll pay special attention to the choice of Achilles and how this heroic choice not only tells us much about what the Greeks saw as the heroic ideal, but also what makes a hero in general. By the end of the week, we'll discuss the aftermath of the Trojan War: who died, who survived, and what happened to the various heroes on their way home.

Mon: The Trojan War - Background and Who's Who- notes in class.
Tues: Read and discuss The Iliad, chapters 1 - 4, pgs 48-61 in class. Homework, read chapters 5-8, pgs 61-73 and be prepared to discuss them Wednesday.
Wed: Discuss The Iliad, chapters 5 - 8, pgs 61-73. Complete questions over The Iliad before the end of the hour.
Thurs: Aftermath of the Trojan War: the House of Troy, Agamemnon, Menelaus and Helen - notes in class.
Fri: Read and discuss The Odyssey, chapters 1 - 4, pgs 77-93 in class. Homework, read chapters 5-8, pgs 93-109 and be prepared to discuss them Monday.

Week at a glance Jan 25 - 29, 2010

2010-01-22T10:24:00.002-06:00

Curriculum focus: determines meaning of words through knowledge of Greek and Latin roots (1.3.K3a), identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of personification (1.3.K4g), identifies, interprest, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week we'll continue our unit over Greek mythology. Having explored the basics including gods/goddesses and the cycle of life and death last week, this week we move on to the first generation of heroes in Greek mythology. These are heroes whose names endure to this day: Hercules, Perseus, Jason and his band of warriors, the Argonauts. We'll explore their myths and analyze how these heroes follow the pattern of the Heroic Quest. Students can expect to have short wrap up assignments toward the end of each class.

Mon: Heroic Lovers - Read discuss "Pyramus and Thisbe," "Orpheus and Eurydice," "Daphne," and "Cupid and Psyche." Study guide due by the end of the hour.
Tues: The First Generation of Greek Heroes -- Read and discuss "Perseus" and "Theseus."
Wed: The First Generation of Greek Heroes -- Read and discuss "Hercules."
Thurs: The First Generation of Greek Heroes -- Read and discuss "The Quest for the Golden Fleece"
Fri: The First Generation of Greek Heroes -- Read and discuss "Phaethon," "Pegasus and Bellerophon," and "Daedalus." Greek Heroes wrap up assignment due by the end of the hour.

Week at a glance Jan 18 - 22, 2009

2010-01-15T09:04:00.002-06:00

Curriculum focus: determines meaning of words through knowledge of Greek and Latin roots (1.3.K3a), identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of personification (1.3.K4g), identifies, interprest, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week we'll wrap up our notes over the major and minor gods of Classical (Greek and Roman) mythology. We'll then move on to our finally reading a few of the myths from Greek mythology. For that we will also finally check out books for our class. Our focus this week will be the life cycle as it occurs in Greek mythology: the creation of the world, death, and rebirth.

Mon: No school - Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
Tues: Finish notes over who's who in Greek mythology. Begin readings over Stories of Creation: the Ages of Man, Prometheus, and Pandora.
Wed: Finish readings over Stories of Creation - the Ages of Man, Prometheus, and Pandora. Study guide due by the end of the hour.
Thurs: The Cycle of Life and Death - Demeter, Persephone, and Hades and The Flood Cycle.
Fri: Greek Myths Identification Quiz. Complete The Cycle of Life and Death study guide by the end of the hour.

Week at a glance Jan 11 - 15, 2010

2010-01-10T11:23:00.002-06:00

Curriculum focus: determines meaning of words through knowledge of Greek and Latin roots (1.3.K3a), identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of personification (1.3.K4g), identifies, interprest, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

After a brief break thanks to our snow days, we'll return to covering the basics of mythology. We'll start the week with a review of what we learned about archetypes by having students review the familiar archetypes we regularly see in movies, tv shows, and books. We'll then continue our opening week of notes -- a lot of notes to start us off so that we have a strong background and vocabulary to make later activities, discussions, and readings much easier -- with notes over how we use myths to make sense of our world, Joseph Campbell's analysis of the Heroic Quest, and the development and origins of Greek mythology. We'll wrap up the week with a quiz over the basics of mythology and notes and discussion over the Greek pantheon.

Mon: Archetype review and discussion. Notes due at the end of the hour.
Tues: How do we use myths to make sense of our own world? Notes in class.
Wed: The Heroic Quest - Notes in class.
Thurs: Greek Mythology - Origins and Development - Notes in class.
Fri: Short quiz over Mythology Basics. Greek Mythology - Who's who? The Titans, the Olympians, major and minor gods and monsters - Notes in class.

Week at a glance Jan 4 - 8, 2010

2010-01-04T08:19:00.004-06:00

Welcome!

On this site, you’ll find a breakdown of each week’s lesson plans and activities for the Mythology course. Assignments and due dates will always be listed in red. You can access class handouts through the “Course Materials” section located on the top left side of this site. If you have any questions or comments regarding things you'd like to see on this site, call me at WRHS or e-mail me at ritchjoh@usd437.net

This week our main task is to develop a working vocabulary for our class. Before we can study mythology, we must know what it is and its basic components. We'll take notes and have discussions. With the notes we take this week, we'll be prepared next week when we begin our unit over Classical Mythology.

Mon: No school - staff workday
Tues: Course Overview
Wed: What is mythology? Notes in class
Thurs: Archetype review - assignment due by the end of the hour
Fri: How do myths interact with our culture even today? Notes in class

Week at a glance Dec 14 - 18, 2009

2009-12-11T12:40:00.003-06:00

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

Our final week of the semester will be more of a review than anything else. Students have already taken their 100-point final test last week. This week, we'll take a look at the structure of mythologist Joseph Campbell's Heroic Quest based on his book The Hero With a Thousand Faces. We'll then apply Campbell's structure and what we've learned throughout the semester to a film analysis that borrows more from Campbell and mythology in general than any other film in history.

Mon: The Heroic Quest - notes in class
Tues: Begin film analysis
Wed: Continue film analysis
Thurs: Discussion over film, the Heroic Quest, and mythology. Film analysis due by the end of the hour.
Fri: 1st hour does not meet; 2nd, 4th, and 6th hour finals only

As this is only a semester-long class, I'm sad to have to say farewell to our students. Thanks for an absolutely wonderful semester. It has been a blast to start my day with my Mythology class.

Week at a glance Dec 7 - 11, 2009

2009-12-06T13:56:00.002-06:00

Mon: Norse/British/King Arthur mythology review
Tues: Norse/British/King Arthur mythology quiz
Wed: Modern mythologies overview and discussion
Thurs: Modern mythologies continue discussion
Fri: Modern mythologies - reflection due by the end of the hour.

Week at a glance Nov 30 - Dec 4, 2009

2009-11-29T13:27:00.003-06:00

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week we'll take a look at one of my personal favorite mythologies: the legend of King Arthur, Camelot, and the Knights of the Round Table. One might argue that the Arthurian Legend does not deserve mythological study because it lacks a pantheon of gods and is mainly about people. However, like most mythologies we've studied, the Arthurian Legend is a rich set of stories written by various authors over a 1500-year period. Also like other mythologies, authors and artists have used the tales of the Arthurian Legend as mirrors so that they could study their own age. We'll push through a brief overview of the legend's main points throughout the week.

Mon: The Arthurian Legend - Overview and notes in class
Tues: The Arthurian Legend - The British Tradition. Readings and notes in class.
Wed: The Arthurian Legend - The French Tradition. Readings and notes in class. Study guide due by the end of the hour.
Thurs: The Arthurian Legend - The Quest for the Holy Grail. Readings and notes in class. Study guide due by the end of the hour.
Fri: The Arthurian Legend - The ... Passing ... of Arthur. Readings and notes in class. Study guide due by the end of the hour.

Week at a glance Nov 23 - 27, 2009

2009-11-20T13:49:00.002-06:00

Mon: Begin reading and discussing Beowulf. Finish reading before class on Tuesday.
Tues: Beowulf - discussion; study guide due by the end of the hour.
Wed: Thanksgiving Break
Thurs: Thanksgiving
Fri: Thanksgiving Break

Week at a glance Nov 16 - 20, 2009

2009-11-13T08:14:00.002-06:00

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week we continue our work studying the various myths of Norse mythology. We'll read and discuss "Sigurd the Volsung." This famous myth became the basis for the German epic Nibelungenleid and Richard Wagner's "Ring Cycle" opera. We'll also move toward the noble and tragic end of Norse mythology: the death of Balder followed by Ragnarok--the twilight of the gods. We'll wrap up the week with a short quiz and preview of our next story, Beowulf.

Mon: Norse Mythology - "Sigurd the Volsung," begin reading and discussing the story.
Tues: Norse Mythology - "Sigurd the Volsung," finish reading and discussing the story. Study guide due by the end of the hour.
Wed: Norse Mythology - Loki's betrayal and Balder's doom. Read and discuss in class.
Thurs: Norse Mythology - The twilight of the gods. Read and discuss in class. Study guide due by the end of the hour. Review for Friday's quiz.
Fri: Norse Mythology - short quiz. Introducing Beowulf.

Week at a glance Nov 9 - 13, 2009

2009-11-08T14:39:00.003-06:00

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week, we begin our last major unit of the semester as we take a look at Norse mythology. We'll begin with an overview of the cultural background, pantheon, and mythology. Throughout the rest of the week we'll take a look at various stories from Norse mythology, focusing primarily on the adventures of Odin, Thor, and Loki. Students should pay particular attention to this unit as it has been extremely influential on our society in everything from our days of the week (Tuesday - Friday, especially) to fantasy literature (J.R.R. Tolkien was a Oxford professor of it and its influence on Lord of the Rings is indisputable). Students will likely have several "a-ha!" moments as they recognize the subtle Norse mythological influences on their lives.

Mon: Pass back papers and current grades. Norse Mythology - Cultural Background, Pantheon and Mythology Overview, notes in class.
Tues: Norse Mythology - "The Creation, Death, and Rebirth of the Universe," textbook pages 208 - 213, discussion. Study guide due by the end of the hour.
Wed: Norse Mythology - "Iduna and the Apples." Reading and discussion.
Thurs: Norse Mythology - the adventures of Odin the Wanderer. Reading and discussion. Begin reading and discussing Thor and Loki among the giants.
Fri: Norse Mythology - Finish reading Thor and Loki among the giants. Study guide due by the end of the hour.

Week at a glance Nov 2 - 6, 2009

2009-11-01T13:13:00.002-06:00

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week are presenting their efforts from last week's work at the library. Students are doing their Mythology Research Project group presentations. On Monday groups will have the opportunity to polish their presentations and, hopefully, rehearse them a bit. We'll do the group presentations Tues - Thurs and wrap up the week with a brief quiz and celebration.

Mon: Mythology Research Project - polish and prepare to present
Tues: Mythology Research Project Presentations
Wed: Mythology Research Project Presentations
Thurs: Mythology Research Project Presentations
Fri: Brief quiz over the presentations. Preview the last six weeks of the semester.

Week at a glance Oct 27 - 30, 2009

2009-10-22T12:19:00.002-05:00

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week students are headed to the library to do research over the Mythology Research Project. The assignment and rubric for the research essay is available to download under the Course Materials section of this website. Students randomly drew topics and formed groups on Thurs, 10/22. By the end of this week, groups should have a PowerPoint presentation assembled and ready to present the week of 11/2.

Mon: Meet in the library to begin work on the Mythology Research Project
Tues: Continue research for the Mythology Research Project
Wed: Begin designing the PowerPoint for the Mythology Research Project
Thurs: Finish gathering and synthesizing data for the Mythology Research Project
Fri: Groups should be finishing the PowerPoint for the Mythology Research Project. Group members should also spend this day rehearsing their presentation. An electronic copy of the group presentation needs to be with Mr. Ritchie by no later than 7:30am Monday, 11/2.

Week at a glance Oct 19 - 23, 2009

2009-10-15T10:30:00.003-05:00

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week we'll finish our brief unit on mythology from China and Japan. We'll wrap up our discussion over Chinese mythology with a review of last week's story from the movie Hero and an overview of the Chinese god Monkey. We'll then read and discuss two tales from Japan. We'll end the week with a short quiz and an introduction to the Creation Story Research Project coming up next week.

Mon: Chinese mythology - finish discussion of Hero. "Monkey" - discussion and notes in class.
Tues: Japanese mythology -"The Creation of the Universe and Japan" and "Amaterasu," pgs 369 - 376. Discussion and notes in class.
Wed: Pass back and discuss Mesopotamian Myths quiz. Review for a short quiz. Short quiz over Chinese and Japanese mythology.
Thurs: Introduction to the Creation Story Research Project - What is it? What are the expectations? How are we going to do it? Discussion and notes in class.
Fri: No school

Week at a glance Oct 12 - 16, 2009

2009-10-11T17:14:00.002-05:00

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week we turn to a two week unit on mythology from China and Japan. We'll start with Chinese mythology. As usual with any region's mythology, we'll start with the creation story of the region and discover its major gods and heroes. China also has a unique and rich storytelling style as many of its stories are circular in structure, adding more details as they go along. China also has a rich magical tradition with heroic warriors in a story genre called wuxia. We will analyze the Chinese storytelling style and the wuxia tradition by watching and discussing the Oscar-nominated and award-winning movie Hero (2002)

Mon: Chinese mythology - "The Creation of the Universe," "Yi the Archer and the Ten Suns," and "The Quest for the Sun," pgs 360 - 369 - read and discuss in class.
Tues: Chinese mythology - the Chinese storytelling style and the wuxia tradition: begin watching and discussing Hero.
Wed: Chinese mythology - the Chinese storytelling style and the wuxia tradition: continue watching and discussing Hero.
Thurs: Chinese mythology - the Chinese storytelling style and the wuxia tradition: finish watching and discussing Hero. Hero study guide due by the end of the hour.
Fri: End of the 1st quarter - No school

Week at a glance Oct 5 - 9, 2009

2009-10-04T10:03:00.002-05:00

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week we turn to Ancient Egypt for a study of their mythology. We'll spend Monday getting to know the Ancient Egyptians and their pantheon. We'll then read one of the most famous Egyptian myths as we explore the romantic tale of Isis and Osiris. We'll explore other Egyptian myths on Wednesday. On Thursday we'll do a wrap up and review and discuss the most important things we can learn about mythology from a study of the ancient Middle Eastern regions. We'll wrap up the week with a quiz over Middle Eastern Mythology.

Mon: Middle Eastern Mythology - Part II: Ancient Egypt, notes in class
Tues: Middle Eastern Mythology - read and discuss "Osiris, Isis, and Horus," pages 162 - 168. Assignment due by the end of the hour.
Wed: Middle Eastern Mythology - Other Myths of Ancient Egypt, discuss notes in class and complete assignment by the end of the hour.
Thurs: Middle Eastern Mythology - Wrap up and review.
Fri: Middle Eastern Mythology - quiz.

Week at a glance Sept 28 - Oct 2, 2009

2009-09-27T14:16:00.002-05:00

Classical Mythology Unit Exam grades - Exam grades are now posted and can be viewed online in Parent Portal. We will go over the exam and answer any questions once all make-up exams are complete.

Curriculum focus: identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), compares and contrasts themes across multiple stories ( 1.4.K7b), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), analyzes the contextual aspects of setting (historical, social, and cultural) and their impact and influence on characters and events in the story (11.2.1.K2), recognizes ways that literature from different cultures presents similar themes differently across genres (11.2.2.K1), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week we finally move away from Classical Mythology and begin what will be a pattern of two-week units exploring various other major mythologies from around the world. Our next unit will focus on the Middle East, specifically Mesopotamia and Egypt. These two regions give us some of the oldest myths and stories that we have in recorded human history. We'll discuss each culture's timeline, its major gods and goddesses, and its primary myths. We'll also use what we learned about mythology in general to look for recurring patterns or archetypes to be discovered in the myths.

Mon: Mythology review. "The Mesopotamian Cultures: Sumeria and Babylonia" - Discussion and notes in class.
Tues: Sumeria and Babylonia - "The Enuma elish," pgs 153 - 158. Read and discuss in class.
Wed: Sumeria and Babylonia - other myths. Discussion and notes in class.
Thurs: Sumeria and Babylonia - "Gilgamesh," pgs 174 -203. Begin reading and discussing in class. Read to page 203 for Friday.
Fri: Sumeria and Babylonia - "Gilgamesh," wrap up discussion. Assignment due by the end of the hour.

Week at a glance Sept 21 - 23, 2009

2009-09-18T08:33:00.003-05:00

Curriculum focus: determines meaning of words through knowledge of Greek and Latin roots (1.3.K3a), identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of personification (1.3.K4g), identifies, interprest, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

This week, we are wrapping up our unit over Classical Mythology. We'll start the week by reading and discussing the last major text of the Trojan War, a summary of Virgil's Aeneid. On Wednesday, students will receive a study guide for their Friday unit exam that we'll go over in class. On Thursday, we'll play a Jeopardy-style review game to give students a fun way of preparing for the Friday exam. We'll take the Classical Mythology Unit Exam on Friday.

Mon: Begin reading and discussing The Aeneid, pgs 119-146 in class. Homework, read pgs 119-146 and be prepared to discuss the text on Tuesday.
Tues: Discuss The Aeneid. Complete questions over The Aeneid before the end of the hour.
Wed: Pass out and discuss the Classical Mythology Unit Exam Study Guide - notes in class.
Thurs: Jeopardy-style review for the Classical Mythology Unit Exam.
Fri: Classical Mythology Unit Exam

Week at a glance Sept 14 - 18, 2009

2009-09-13T14:31:00.002-05:00

Curriculum focus: determines meaning of words through knowledge of Greek and Latin roots (1.3.K3a), identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of personification (1.3.K4g), identifies, interprest, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b).

This week, we start our final series of readings for our Classical Mythology unit as we cover the Trojan War. Much of the myths we have in Classical Mythology come from tales about the Trojan War that allude to them. We'll start by reading and discussing a brief summary of Homer's The Iliad in our textbook in the early part of the week. On Wednesday, we'll take a brief reading break and discuss the aftermath of the Trojan War on the mythological characters who did not receive their own Homeric epics. We'll then wrap up the week reading and discussing a brief summary of Homer's The Odyssey.

Mon: Read and discuss The Iliad, chapters 1 - 4, pgs 48-61 in class. Homework, read chapters 5-8, pgs 61-73 and be prepared to discuss them Tuesday.
Tues: Discuss The Iliad, chapters 5 - 8, pgs 61-73. Complete questions over The Iliad before the end of the hour.
Wed: Aftermath of the Trojan War: the House of Troy, Agamemnon, Menelaus and Helen - notes in class.
Thurs: Read and discuss The Odyssey, chapters 1 - 4, pgs 77-93 in class. Homework, read chapters 5-8, pgs 93-109 and be prepared to discuss them Friday.
Fri: Discuss The Odyssey, chapters 508, pgs 93-109. Complete questions over The Odyssey before the end of the hour.

Week at a glance Sept 7 - 11, 2009

2009-09-07T14:56:00.002-05:00

Curriculum focus: determines meaning of words through knowledge of Greek and Latin roots (1.3.K3a), identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of personification (1.3.K4g), identifies, interprest, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

Extra credit opportunity: later in the week students will receive a list of books they may read and then complete an assignment over for extra credit. Each book listed relates in some way to common themes and archetypes found in mythology. The list of books and extra credit assignment will appear in class and on this site soon.

This week, we'll wrap up our overview of myths about individuals from Classical Mythology and move into our final part of our Classical Mythology unit: the Trojan War - causes, events, and aftermath.

Mon: No school. Labor Day.
Tues: Wrap up Archetype Review discussion. Read and discuss "Theseus."
Wed: Jason, the Argonauts, and the Quest for the Golden Fleece - read and discuss.
Thurs: The last of the great adventurers - Phaethon, Pegasus and Bellerophon, Daedalus and Icarus. Complete Heroes assignment.
Fri: The Trojan War - Who's who and how did it all get started? Notes and readings in class.

Week at a glance Aug 31 - Sept 4, 2009

2009-08-28T12:49:00.003-05:00

Curriculum focus: determines meaning of words through knowledge of Greek and Latin roots (1.3.K3a), identifies, interprets, and analyzes the use of personification (1.3.K4g), identifies, interprest, and analyzes the use of symbols (1.3.K4i), compares and contrasts character traits (1.4.K7a), identifies and describes the protagonist (2.1.K1a), identifies and describes the antagonist (2.1.K1b), and compares and contrasts works of literature that deal with similar topics and problems (2.2.K2).

Our theme for this week's portion of our Greek mythology unit is lovers and adventurers...often one and the same. We'll start the week with tales of star-crossed lovers. We'll then spend a day with the story of love uniting at last with the mind or soul as we read and discuss the fairy tale-like story of Cupid and Psyche. From there we'll move on to the tale of one of Greece's greatest heroes, Hercules, and discover the tragic romantic element at the heart of his story. On Thursday we'll read and discuss our last romantic hero as we follow Perseus' quest to fight Medusa and save his beloved Andromeda. We'll wrap up the week with notes to help us review and synthesize the various romantic adventures.

Mon: Star-crossed lovers: Pyramus and Thisbe, Orpheus and Eurydice, Apollo and Daphne - read and discuss in class.
Tues: Cupid and Psyche - read and discuss in class; study guide due Wednesday.
Wed: Romantic heroes: Hercules and the 12 Labors
Thurs: Romantic heroes: Perseus and the fight against Medusa
Fri: Lovers and adventurers - wrap up and review, notes in class.

Week at a glance Aug 24 - 28, 2009

2009-08-23T13:53:00.003-05:00

This week we'll begin our first major unit: Greek mythology. Students will learn the origins of Greek mythology and how it developed in the ancient world. We'll then cover the Greek pantheon and get to know the major and minor gods. Finally, we'll analyze how the world was created according to Greek mythology, which gods and goddesses guided the Greeks' daily lives, and how the Greeks viewed the last part of the great cycle - death. On Friday we'll review our notes for the week and take a short quiz.

Mon: Greek mythology - Origins and development. Notes in class.
Tues: Short quiz over mythology basics. Greek mythology -Who's who? The Titans, the Olympians, and other major and minor gods. Notes in class
Wed: Greek mythology - Stories of creation: the Ages of Man, Prometheus, and Pandora. Readings and notes in class.
Thurs: Greek mythology - The cycle of life and death: Demeter, Persephone, and Hades. Readings and notes in class.
Fri: Review notes and concepts covered this week. Short quiz over the notes and concepts covered this week.

Week at a glance Aug 17 - 21, 2009

2009-08-14T08:46:00.004-05:00

Welcome!

On this site, you’ll find a breakdown of each week’s lesson plans and activities for the Mythology course. Assignments and due dates will always be listed in red. You can access class handouts through the “Course Materials” section located on the top left side of this site. If you have any questions or comments regarding things you'd like to see on this site, call me at WRHS or e-mail me at ritchjoh@usd437.net

Our class is unique because we have a large class and mixture of students, grades 10-12. Therefore, we'll spend our first two days focused on getting to know one another and getting comfortable discussing the concepts involved with Mythology. Our next two days will be days of notes focused on defining Mythology, determining its relevance, and learning about how it interacts in social, historical, and cultural contexts.

Mon: New student orientation
Tues: Introductions
Wed: Finish introductions and course overview
Thurs: What is Mythology? What are its basic components? What is its relevance to us today? Notes in class.
Fri: How do myths interact with the society and culture of their time period? Notes in class.