Week at a glance May 24 - 26, 2010

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

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).

With our class down 70%, students decided amongst themselves which mythologies they would like to have studied, but we hadn't covered yet in class. This week then is a bit of a hodgepodge as we look at the various mythologies selected by students.

• 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

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

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

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

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

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. Students randomly drew topics and formed groups last week. By the end of this week, groups should have most of their information researched and should be in the process of assembling it into handouts and a PowerPoint presentation.

• 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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