The Odyssey
Themes:
Themes/Essential Questions
In this unit, you will be studying The Odyssey, mythology and heroes. As you are doing your assignments, think about the following:
What makes a hero?
Are epic heroes brave, smart, or lucky?
How have heroes been portrayed throughout history?
What are the elements of an epic poem?
Themes/Essential Questions
In this unit, you will be studying The Odyssey, mythology and heroes. As you are doing your assignments, think about the following:
What makes a hero?
Are epic heroes brave, smart, or lucky?
How have heroes been portrayed throughout history?
What are the elements of an epic poem?
This is the first 30 hours of a 60 hour class. There are 12 tasks assigned. Each task has an estimated amount of time assigned to it. Some will take less time to complete a task and some may need more; however, if you are going over the amount of time assigned to "complete a task," there is a problem and you need to speak to me about it. Reasonable accommodations may be allowed. It is recommended that you do these tasks in order.
FIT/Grammar: Activities are assigned on a daily basis.
Task 1: Pretest
Completion Time: 1/2 hour
Please complete the pretest BEFORE attempting ANY assignments. Relax. This is only to test what you know at this point. You will receive full credit for doing it regardless of your score.
Task 2: Understanding Myths and Heroes
Completion Time: 1 Hour
Watch this Ted-Ed link about the hero cycle. Be sure to take notes on all the steps in the hero’s journey. Turn your notes in for a grade.
Task 3: The Odyssey Text
Completion Time: 5 Hours
Read this illustrated readable translation and complete the study guide. Click the link below for the proper study guide. If you are unsure of which one you should use, please ask Miss McNaughton.
Task 4: Persuasive Essay
Completion Time: 3 hours
Essay must be typed and submitted using Google Docs, unless you receive other instructions. You must also complete the Rubric and turn it in with your essay. Hint: You should use the rubric as a guide before starting your essay. For additional information on writing a persuasive/argumentative essay, click here.
Choose 1:
Task 5: Myths
Completion Time: 4 hours
Read the following myths. Choose three of the myths and write a one paragraph summary of each. Be sure to label each myth and address the prompt in your writing.
Task 6: Exam
Completion Time: 1 Hour
You may use your notes when taking the exam. You must earn a 70% or greater to receive credit for this class.
Task 7: Contemporary Fiction - The Hunger Games
Completion Time: 10 Hours
Read The Hunger Games or another book depicting a hero (with teacher approval).
In The Hunger Games we meet Katniss, a modern day hero. Much like Odysseus, Katniss undertakes The Hero Journey. In a five-paragraph or greater essay, discuss Katniss’s hero journey. (Reviewing Task 2 will be very helpful.)
You must increase your TABE score to receive credit for this section.
Essay must be typed and submitted using Google Docs, unless you receive other instructions. You must also complete the Rubric and turn it in with your essay. Hint: You should use the rubric as a guide before starting your essay.
Task 8: Elements of an Epic Poem
Completion Time: 1 Hour
Copy this link about epic poems to your drive. Provide answers to the questions. Share when you are complete.
Task 9: Presentation (choose 1) time to complete task - 3 hours
Additional assignments may be given at teacher discretion.
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FIT/Grammar: Activities are assigned on a daily basis.
Task 1: Pretest
Completion Time: 1/2 hour
Please complete the pretest BEFORE attempting ANY assignments. Relax. This is only to test what you know at this point. You will receive full credit for doing it regardless of your score.
Task 2: Understanding Myths and Heroes
Completion Time: 1 Hour
Watch this Ted-Ed link about the hero cycle. Be sure to take notes on all the steps in the hero’s journey. Turn your notes in for a grade.
Task 3: The Odyssey Text
Completion Time: 5 Hours
Read this illustrated readable translation and complete the study guide. Click the link below for the proper study guide. If you are unsure of which one you should use, please ask Miss McNaughton.
- MythWeb version Study Guide
- Language for Literature (Orange Text) Study Guide
Task 4: Persuasive Essay
Completion Time: 3 hours
Essay must be typed and submitted using Google Docs, unless you receive other instructions. You must also complete the Rubric and turn it in with your essay. Hint: You should use the rubric as a guide before starting your essay. For additional information on writing a persuasive/argumentative essay, click here.
Choose 1:
- Write a persuasive essay in which you define the qualities of a hero and argue whether Odysseus or Penelope is more heroic according to your definition.
- Write a persuasive essay in which you discuss if Odysseus is a hero. What makes him a hero? What is his "fatal flaw"?
- Write a persuasive essay in which you take a position as to whether or not Odysseus should kill all of the suitors - including any maids/servants who have appeared to help them.
Task 5: Myths
Completion Time: 4 hours
Read the following myths. Choose three of the myths and write a one paragraph summary of each. Be sure to label each myth and address the prompt in your writing.
Task 6: Exam
Completion Time: 1 Hour
You may use your notes when taking the exam. You must earn a 70% or greater to receive credit for this class.
Task 7: Contemporary Fiction - The Hunger Games
Completion Time: 10 Hours
Read The Hunger Games or another book depicting a hero (with teacher approval).
In The Hunger Games we meet Katniss, a modern day hero. Much like Odysseus, Katniss undertakes The Hero Journey. In a five-paragraph or greater essay, discuss Katniss’s hero journey. (Reviewing Task 2 will be very helpful.)
You must increase your TABE score to receive credit for this section.
Essay must be typed and submitted using Google Docs, unless you receive other instructions. You must also complete the Rubric and turn it in with your essay. Hint: You should use the rubric as a guide before starting your essay.
Task 8: Elements of an Epic Poem
Completion Time: 1 Hour
Copy this link about epic poems to your drive. Provide answers to the questions. Share when you are complete.
Task 9: Presentation (choose 1) time to complete task - 3 hours
- Research different Greek gods/goddesses relevant to The Odyssey). Prepare a presentation on at least three of them. Use Google slides, Powerpoint, Prezi, or another tool of your choice.
- Prepare a multimedia presentation about the elements of an epic poem and how those elements carry on to epic heroes in modern literature and/or pop culture.
- Prepare a presentation on a topic that interests you with prior permission from your teacher.
Additional assignments may be given at teacher discretion.
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