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.