CURRICULUM MAP: 10009.map

English Senior Elective: Mythology (ACP) 188
Overview

TIME FRAME: 1 quarter (9 weeks)
GRADE: 12
CONTACT:

         MAP LEVEL: 4

23.1 LANGUAGE ARTS - READING AND RESPONDING --- 23.1.1.9.2 --- 23.1.1.9.5 --- 23.1.1.9.6 --- 23.1.2.9.1 --- 23.1.2.9.2 --- 23.1.2.9.4
23.1 LANGUAGE ARTS - READING AND RESPONDING --- 23.1.2.9.6 --- 23.1.3.9.2 --- 23.1.3.9.3 --- 23.1.4.9.1 --- 23.1.4.9.2
23.2 LANGUAGE ARTS - EXPLORE AND RESPOND TO LITER --- 23.2.1.9.1 --- 23.2.1.9.4 --- 23.2.2.9.1 --- 23.2.2.9.2 --- 23.2.3.9.1 --- 23.2.3.9.2
23.3 LANGUAGE ARTS - COMMUNICATING WITH OTHERS --- 23.3.1.9.2 --- 23.3.1.9.3 --- 23.3.1.9.4 --- 23.3.2.9.1 --- 23.3.2.9.3 --- 23.3.2.9.6
23.4 LANGUAGE ARTS - ENGLISH LANG CONVENTIONS --- 23.4.2.9.1 --- 23.4.2.9.2 --- 23.4.3.9.1 --- 23.4.3.9.2 --- 23.4.3.9.3




What similarities exist between classic and contemporary mythology?

What does mythology reveal about the nature of humanity?

What is the "hero's quest" and what universal truths does it reveal?





People all of the world, regardless of culture and time, share many of the same concerns, problems, hopes, and dreams. These commonalities are manifested in classic and contemporary mythology. This mythology class will focus on exploring what Joseph Campbell defines as the "journey of the archetypal hero." By reading works such as Beowulf, and viewing films such a Star Wars, the class will examine the individual's role in society, the role of the hero, the nature of the quest, the evolution of the myth, and the universal sentiments and truths of humanity.



Students in Mythology will:

-- Understand the key components of the "hero's quest,"
-- Relate one myth to another,
-- Analyze the author's purpose beyond that of entertaining,
-- Read for comprehension and appreciation,
-- Demonstrate an understanding of the material under study through the planning and writing of a number of formal essays or other appropriate writing assignments,
-- Exercise and improve effective writing techniques through the editing and revision of writing assignments,
-- Attack problems of grammar, usage, spelling, and punctuation as they occur in his/her writing,
-- Confer with his/her teacher on a regular basis on the processes of writing and revision,
-- Extend his/her own interest in mythology wherever possible through the reading of supplementary material,
-- Define and recognize stylistical elements of the "hero's journey,"
-- Identify the elements of a well-organized, well-written essay,
-- Recognize and rationalize the differing approaches a writer has toward a contemporary topic/theme,
-- Use a variety of forms of expression (such as: computer, oral, written, art, music an performance) to successfully communicate to varying audiences,
-- Address a small or large group appropriately,
-- Recognize, identify, and employ appropriate non-verbal communication,
-- Demonstrate the organizational skills necessary to express themselves,
-- Alter the method of communication in order to effectively enhance the desired outcome.






All students will:
-- Be instructed in active, critical reading strategies and skills
-- Be instructed in the literary terms, devices, and structures necessary for reading comprehension of various materials,
-- Be given the opportunity to respond to literature both orally and in written formats,
-- Be taught the numerous skills required for successful research and research writing,
-- Write a researched paper in MLA format,
-- Write a minimum of three papers following the complete writing process from the following modes: description, narration, exposition, persuasion, literary analysis, and creative,
-- Complete 10 pages of written material (excluding tests and journals) by the end of the semester,
-- Deliver a speech/debate/dramatic reading/presentation in front of the class,
-- Be instructed in effective techniques and skills for public speaking,
-- Be guided in effective discussion strategies for circle/double circle discussions and Socratic seminars,
-- Be instructed on the skills and strategies necessary for interpreting, analyzing, and evaluating a visual communication,
-- Be instructed on audience decorum and appropriate responses.




Assessment of student performance will include such activities as journal responses, essay tests, and essay assignments focusing on persuasive and critical/thematic topics, circle discussions, Socratic seminars, independent literary projects, and researched papers/projects and presentations. Students will also write a mystery narrative (7-10 pages), and give a dramatic presentation of an excerpt from a mystery stage play.






This class is offered at the ACP level.

This class does satisfy the literature quarter-course requirement for seniors.




Beowulf, trans. Sheamus Heaney
Dante's The Inferno, trans. Robert Pinsky
The Odyssey, trans. Robert Fagles
Assorted contemporary films