Week at a glance Nov 9 - 13, 2009

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.