Due Monday, after Break

Please write ONE body paragraph that follows the format we discusses in class. If you were absent, or need a reminder of what we discussed, the hopefully the following notes should get you headed in the right direction.

Topic/Thesis: The ancient Greeks used Mythology to help explain the natural world around them.

Support/POA: You will need to choose three categories to use for your 3 support paragraphs. You may choose from the following list, or create your own.

 Flowers
 Trees/Plants
 Animals: Appearance, existence, behavior
 Geographical locations/names
 Seasons
 Weather events
 Mankind: existence and behaviors
 Stars/Constellations/Heavenly events

Note: Each support you choose will be developed into a body paragraph. You must then have three myths that will explain each support point and connect back to the thesis. You must find a balance for the description you provide of each myth. Embrace the ideal of the Golden Mean—too much information will get off topic, and too little information will be unacceptably brief!

Warning: Make sure you are using your own words! The ghost of Edith will haunt you if you steal her words without giving her credit. (You’ll lose credit also)

Body Paragraph Format:

 Topic sentence: Introduces support point and connects back to thesis
 Supporting Myth #1—Brief explanation
 Transition + Supporting Myth #2—Brief explanation
 Transition + Supporting Myth #3—Brief explanation
 Concluding sentence connecting back to topic of paragraph and thesis

Due Friday, December 11

Rejoice! There is no homework due today.

Due Wednesday, December 9th

Finish reading the chapter on Hercules. Expect a similar reading quiz.

Due Monday, December 7th

Read the story of Hercules and stop after he has completed his 12 labors. We will have a reading quiz on this material, and you may use notes that you take to help you on the reading quiz.

Unit 2 Test December 4th

Remember for the test you can use ONE side of a 3x5 inch card to help you on the test.

Make sure to bring your Unit 2 Flashcards AND your Glossary 2.

Glossary 2 Names: (page numbers correspond to the Big Book)

Polyphemus (105); Hospitality Law; Narcissus (111); Hyacinthus (115); Adonis (117); Otus and Ephialtes (190); Daedalus 192); Golden Mean; Deus ex Machina; 7 out of the 8 tales of lovers (135-158)

16 Total Entries

Due Tuesday, December 1

We worked in class on making notecards for the names below to help us study for our upcoming test. You should have a notecard for each of the following characters:

Polyphemus

Narcissus

Hyacinth

Echo

Adonis

Pyramus and Thisbe

Orpheus and Eurydice

Ceyx and Alcyone

Pygmalion and Galatea

Baucis and Philemon

Endymion

Daphne

Jason

Medea

Pelias

Hylas

Phineus

Talus

Phaethon

Helios

Bellerophon

Pegasus

Otus and Ephialtes

Daedalus

Icarus

Perseus

Aegeus

Theseus

Minos

Minotaur

Hippolytus

Ariadne

Phaedra

Danae

Medusa

Phrixus

Helle

Updates

Our past few assignments are based on the story of Theseus and have been done during class time. For the first part of the story, we produced a story map, and for the second part, we created a "life of Theseus" character sheet.

If you missed these days, here's what you need to do for make up:

For 11/16: Read from the beginning of Theseus up to his arrival in Crete. Create a 10 event timeline that describes his journey there. You should include details about the test involving the rock, and an explanation of what Theseus does to each bandit.

For 11/18: Finish reading the story of Theseus. Write down character details about: The Minotaur (how he dies), Aegeus (how he dies), what Theseus is like as King, Ariadne, Hippolyta, Pirithous, Hippolytus, and Phaedra.

Make sure you turn these in when you return.

Due 11/16

Perseus Comparison Paragraph

Late Hero's stories. Do not be the one who brings a plague down upon your polis.

Due Thursday, November 12

Hero stories are due today! Your polis will receive a POLIS BONUS if everyone has their hero stories completed and ready to turn in.

Also, make sure you have your completed Perseus notes with you so we can use them for our in-class activity.

Due Monday, November 9th

There is no homework due; however, some of you still owe me assignments from the chapter on Jason and/or your Perseus questions from the previous post.

Remember: your Hero story is due on Thursday (11/12), so you should be making progress on this so that you'll have it done on its due date.

Due Thursday, 11/5

Today in class we worked in polis groups to read and predict questions for the story of Perseus. You should have answers to the following 21 questions (even though you may have phrased them differently) to turn in next time.


Perseus Questions

1. Who is Perseus’ mother?

2. Who is Perseus’ father?

3. Who is Perseus’ grandfather?

4. Why is Perseus’ mom locked up?

5. How is she imprisoned?

6. Who visits her?

7. How are she and the baby punished?

8. Who rescues Perseus and his mom?

9. Who falls in love with Perseus’ mom?

10. What does he send Perseus to do?

11. Who does Hermes tell Perseus to visit? (why?)

12. What gift does Perseus receive from Hermes?

13. What gift does Perseus receive from Athena?

14. What gift does Perseus receive from the Hyperboreans?

15. How does Perseus kill Medusa?

16. What is the name of the woman who brags about her daughter?

17. What is her daughter’s name?

18. How is her daughter punished?

19. How is she rescued?

20. How does Polydictes die?

21. How does Acrisius die?

Due Tuesday, 11/3

Today in class we acted out the stories of Otus and Ephialtes and Daedalus. You will need to add a summary of each to your glossary 2. Also, we discussed the importance the ancient Greek's placed on avoiding excesses, which inspires the following assignment:

Write a story (3/4 to one page) in which you express the importance of moderation.

First, create 3 characters.
Then, choose an activity

Your first paragraph will show your first character doing too much of your chosen activity and therefore, suffering as a result.

Your second paragraph will show your second character doing too little of your chosen activity, and therefore suffering as a result.

Your third paragraph will show your third character doing just the right amount of this activity, and therefore experiencing very happy results.

If EVERYONE in your polis has this assignments done on Tuesday, you will receive a polis bonus in addition to your individual bonus.

Due Friday, 10/31

There will be a reading quiz over the stories of "Phaethon" and "Pegasus and Bellerophon". The pages numers are:

BB: 180-190
LB: 136-143

You may use any reading notes that you took to help you on the quiz.

Also you should be making progress on your Hero's story.

Due Wednesday, October 28th-Outline and Paragraph 1

You are writing your very own Hero's Quest (much like Jason and the Argonauts). You will need to create a hero who must go on a quest to do something, destroy something, rescue something, get something, etc. Accomplishing this task will result in good things for your hero and community.

Your hero will experience three challenges along the way that delay him from accomplishing his quest. You will need to create these three challenges for your hero to overcome. Eventually, your hero will accomplish this quest, return home, and experience great joy.

For Wednesday, you will need to have an outline of your entire story. Your outline will include information for the categories of

Exposition: Hero's background, setting, other characters.
Hook: What your hero's quest it.
Conflict 1:
Conflict 2:
Conflict 3:
Climax: Quest is accomplished.
Falling action/resolution: Hero returns home successful.

Once your outline is complete, you will need to write the first paragraph of your story. The first paragraph should be on the exposition and hook.

Your story must have a historical setting and the final essay will be 2-3 pages.

Due 10/22

Write a paragraph comparing the movie version of Jason to the one you've read so far in the book. Your paragaph should have a topic sentence and 3 3 examples of differences between the two versions of the story.

Due 9/20

Remember, Toga Tuesday is worth 30 Gold!


Also, if you didn't turn in your Jason Comic on Thursday, here is the assignment:

Jason Comic Strip Assignment:

Reading:

BB: 159-167
LB: 122-127

After you complete your reading of the first part of the Quest for the Golden Fleece, you will be creating a comic strip that has 10 boxes. Each box should contain a picture of the action and a caption describing it. You will probably also want to include dialog in each box.

Obviously, if all you can draw is stick figure, that's fine! However, if you consider yourself limited in artistic ability, you might want to include some color to make it look like you put some time into it.

This assignment will be worth 5 Land.

Due 10/8

Make sure you are prepared for you "8 Tales of Lovers" presentations.

Also, since the end of the grading period is next week, make sure you've completed:

Newspaper Article
Crossword Puzzle
Hades Project
Glossary 1

These are the highest point value assignments from the past unit.

Due 10/2

Many of you have make-up Newspapers and Crosswords to complete. Make sure this gets done!

Today is our Unit 1 test that covers the beginning of the book through the story of Europa. It also includes some temple information.

Make sure you bring your complete Unit 1 glossary (parts 1-3) to turn in as well.

Due Sep 30th! 5 Land!

Crossword Puzzle

Your task: Create a Crossword puzzle about what we have learned so far about Greek Mythology.

Your Puzzle will consist of both Clues and Answers.

A Sample Clue:

 Greek god of the sea; carried a trident

Required Elements:

 You must have a total of 20 Clues. Recommended 10 Across Clues and 10 Down Clues, but you may have 12 and 8 or something.

 Do not fill in your answers on your puzzle! Instead, include a separate answer sheet.

 You may format yours on the computer, or do yours by hand. You do not need to use graph paper. Drawing little crooked boxes is okay. This assignment is not graded on neatness.

Due 9/28 + 5 Land!!

Newspaper Article

Directions: Write an article in the style of a newspaper in which you retell the story of one of the myths we have read or discussed so far in class.

 Length: 1- 1 ½ pages typed; 1 ½ -2 pages written (ink please)
 Graded on: Completion, Accuracy, Conventions, Ideas
 Extra Points: Format paper to look like a real newspaper article

Suggested myths:

 Struggle between the gods (Uranus, Cronus, Zeus)
 Demeter and Persephone
 Dionysus
 Creation of Mankind—Metals
 Prometheus and Epimetheus
 Prometheus and Io

Example:

The world was shocked yesterday by the sudden abduction of Persephone and her subsequent kidnapping down to the realm of Hades. Witnesses say that lord of death himself suddenly appeared on his chariot and snatched the innocent Persephone who was simply wandering in a field looking for flowers.
“I could see him in the distance,” a witness said. “He didn’t give Persephone any choice about whether she wanted to come with him. And there was nothing we could do to stop him.” Investigators into her disappearance are still not sure what Hades’ motives were. (Continued…)

Due 9/22 and BONUS GOLD!

Today is class we watched presentations on the stories of Demeter and Dionysus (the chapter in the book is called the two great gods of the earth). If you were absent, you will need to read and take notes on these stories, and ask me how to make up presentation points.

Your homework for Tuesday is to complete Glossary 1 part 3. Page numbers are

BB: 85-94
LB: 70-77

The terms are:

Prometheus, Epimetheus, Pandora, Chiron


Also, if you'd like to earn Bonus Gold, bring a print out of this blog posting as a reward for checking your assignments online.

I also assigned the Hades Project as a long term project. The due date will be sometime in the new few weeks.

Due 9-18 Presentations

You will need to be prepared for your presentation on Demeter or Dionysus tomorrow. Make sure you know your part of the story well and are prepared to present.

If you were absent, you might be joining with a group to help them out. If your help isn't needed, we'll find another way for you to make up those points.

Also, today in class we took notes on information about the creation of the world and the rise of the Olympian gods. If you need a review, that information is also found in the first seven pages of "How the World and Mankind were Created" BB: 77-83

More Sheep! Due 9-16

Glossary Group 2

You will need to read the following pages in your book:

BB: 38-52
LB: 36-47

Then, complete the following names for part 2 of your glossary.

Part 2:

Eros, Ocean, Triton, Pan, Castor and Pollux, Leda, Satyrs, Aeolus

Remember also to bring in your syllabus and part 1, if you haven't completed it yet.

Your First Assignments! Your first sheep!

Please remember to bring in your signed syllabus form!

Your First Homework Assigment:

Read Pages

BB (Big Book) 25-37
or
LB (Little Book) 27-36

Then, complete a glossary enter for each of the following names

Glossary 1 Names

Part 1:

Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Hades, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite, Hermes, Ares, Hephaestus, Hestia

Sample Glossary Entry:

Zeus- Chief Olympian god, who is the brother of both Hades and Poseidon. He is considered the Lord of the Sky, the Rain God, and the Thunderbolt. He is not a perfect god, and can often be deceived. He is known for having lots of affairs with women. His bird is the eagle and his tree is the oak.

Note: The more you write on each name, the more likely you are to receive bonus sheep!

NOTE: If you were absent on the first day, you will need to complete the following survey and turn it in to me. Also, you should complete this pretest before doing any reading in the book.

Expository Paper due 5/29(B) or 5/30(A)

For the final copy of your paper, you will need to include and introduction and a conclusion. Below you will find some suggestions for an introduction. A conclusion should be about the same length, repeat the thesis and paragraph topics, and then made some extension to broader ideas that your paper has helped reveal.
Your introduction to your expository paper should be about 5-6 sentences long. The last sentence should present the thesis of your paper: One of the ways Greeks used Mythology was to explain the natural world around them. Of course, you’ll want to phrase this in your own words. The final sentence should also present the paragraph topics or categories of your discussion: Plants, Animals, Trees, Geographical locations, etc.

Your first 4-5 sentences should present background information that is in some way connected to your paper. You might consider a few sentences on

• Basic information about Greek gods and goddesses
• Comments on mankind’s desire to explain things
• Reflections on different types of Mythology in the world
• Contrasts to how mankind uses science to explain elements of the world today

There are many possible options, so this list does not present your only possibilities. Also, remember this is formal voice, so you still want to avoid the pronouns “I, you, we, our”.

Due Thursday/Friday 5/21-22

House of Atreus Questions

House of Atreus Questions
Pages 345-371; 247-265


1. What does Tantalus do to begin the curse that will plague the rest of the House of Atreus?


2. How is Pelops injured and how does he recover?




3. Who are the sons of Pelops?


4.. What conflict do these two sons have with each other?


5. How does Atreus get revenge on his brother? (This is sometimes called the “unholy banquet.”


5. Who is Agamemnon’s father? Who is Agamemnon’s wife? What are the names of their children?



6. What did Agamemnon do before he could sail for Troy? Why did he have to do this? (Review question)



7. Who does Agamemnon’s wife begin a relationship with during his absence? Who is this person related to?



8. There are two different versions of how Agamemnon dies when he returns from Troy. What are they?



9. How is Clytemnestra’s role in this event explained? In other words, why does she not feel guilty for doing what happens?



10. Who does Agamemnon bring back from Troy with him? What is her “unusual” gift? (Review Question)


11. What is Orestes’ conflict after the murder of his father? Whom does he ask for help?



12. How do Orestes and his cousin Pylades try to deceive his mother?



13. How is Orestes tormented immediately after killing his mother? What are these creatures called? Where does he go?


14. Years later, whom does Orestes plead his case to? (ask for help)



15. What are the results of this “trial”? What happens to the Furies?



Iphigenia among the Taurians


16. In Euripedes version of the story, what “really” happened to Iphigenia at Aulis?



17. What did Iphigenia have to do when she was living with the Taurians that was so horrible?


18. What two people is she supposed to kill?


19. How does Iphigenia, along with her companions, plan their escape?


20. What almost ruins their escape plans? What finally puts an end to their suffering?


21. What are your feelings about the changes Euripedes made to the story of Iphigenia?

Due Tuesday/Wednesday

Read parts 1 and 2 of the Adventures of Aeneas.

Make sure you have completed and turned in body paragraphs 1 and 2.

Make sure if you are bringing the pestilence upon your polis that you complete glossary 2 and unit 2 notecards (see the post for April 16th)

Updates

We've been working on the story of the Trojan War in class, and if you have been absent, you will want to get notes from a polis member or read the chapter in your book.

We've also had our first battle, so you may want to check out the polis homepage for the results. A link is available on the left.

Unit 2 Test Monday April 20 or Tuesday April 21

Remember for the test you can use ONE side of a 3x5 inch card to help you on the test.

Make sure to bring your Unit 2 Flashcards AND your Glossary 2.

Glossary 2 Names: (page numbers correspond to the Big Book)

Polyphemus (105); Hospitality Law; Narcissus (111); Hyacinthus (115); Adonis (117); Otus and Ephialtes (190); Daedalus 192); Golden Mean; Deus ex Machina; 7 out of the 8 tales of lovers (135-158)

16 Total Entries

Hero Story Update

Hero's storys were due Monday and Tuesday. Many people received 40 personal gold for turning them in, and a few lucky polises (Sparta 8, Sparta 1 and Argos 1) received bonus gold for having all members prepared with their assignments.

If your hero story is not done, you need to turn it in Wednesday or Thursday.

Also, you need to turn in your chart of 10 changes to the movie Clash of the Titans that made it match our modern expectations of an action movie.

Due 4/2 or 4/3

If you missed the last class, you will need to complete the following assignment based on the story of Perseus. Read the story and then answer the following questions in complete sentences. (Find the chapter called Perseus--page numbers will differ based on your book).

1. What news does the priestess tell Acrisius that he finds alarming?

2. How is Danae imprisoned?

3. Who visits Danae in her confinement?

4. What does Acrisius do after learning about the birth of Danae’s child?

5. Who falls in love with Danae? What is his position in the town?

6. What does Polydectes trick Perseus into doing so that he is put in danger?

7. Which god does Perseus first run into? What description is given of him in the book?

8. Who must Perseus visit first, before he can find his way to Medusa?

9. What two gifts does Perseus receive from the two gods who help him? (Describe the usefulness of these gifts.)

10. What magical land does Perseus travel to after the Gray Women?

11. What gifts does he receive there?

12. What land does Perseus travel to after the slaying the gorgon?

13. Who does Perseus discover there?

14. How and why is this person being punished?

15. How does Perseus rescue this woman?

16. What situation does Perseus find when he returns home?

17. How does Perseus get his revenge at dinner?

18. Why do Perseus and his mother decide to return to Greece?

19. What happens at the athletic competition in the North?

20. Who is the famous descendant of Perseus and Andromeda?

Due 3/31 or 4/1

Today in class we acted out the stories of Otus and Ephialtes and Daedalus. You will need to add a summary of each to your glossary 2. Also, we discussed the importance the ancient Greek's placed on avoiding excesses, which inspires the following assignment:

Write a story (3/4 to one page) in which you express the importance of moderation.

First, create 3 characters.
Then, choose an activity

Your first paragraph will show your first character doing too much of your chosen activity and therefore, suffering as a result.

Your second paragraph will show your second character doing too little of your chosen activity, and therefore suffering as a result.

Your third paragraph will show your third character doing just the right amount of this activity, and therefore experiencing very happy results.

Due 3/5 or 3/9 Jason Comic! 5 Land!

Jason Comic Strip Assignment:

Reading:

BB: 159-167
LB: 122-127

After you complete your reading of the first part of the Quest for the Golden Fleece, you will be creating a comic strip that has 10 boxes. Each box should contain a picture of the action and a caption describing it. You will probably also want to include dialog in some boxes.

Obviously, if all you can draw is stick figure, that's fine! However, if you consider yourself limited in artistic ability, you might want to include some color to make it look like you put some time into it.

This assignment will be worth 5 Land.

Due 2/23 or 2/24

Crossword Puzzle

Your task: Create a Crossword puzzle about what we have learned so far about Greek Mythology.

Your Puzzle will consist of both Clues and Answers.

A Sample Clue:

 Greek god of the sea; carried a trident

Required Elements:

 You must have a total of 20 Clues. Recommended 10 Across Clues and 10 Down Clues, but you may have 12 and 8 or something.

 Do not fill in your answers on your puzzle! Instead, include a separate answer sheet.

 You may format yours on the computer, or do yours by hand. You do not need to use graph paper. Drawing little crooked boxes is okay. This assignment is not graded on neatness.

Your First Land Assignment !! Due 2/19 or 2/20

Today in class we learned the story of Prometheus and Io. If you were absent, you will want to get the notes from someone, or read the story in your book.

For next time, you are completing the Newspaper Article assignment. This assignment is worth 5 Land, and is important on your journey to becoming a peasant.

Due Tuesday 2/17 or 2/18

Today in class we learned about Greek architecture and the Parthenon. If you were absent, you will need to draw the diagram from the board and label it when you return.

If you do not have all three parts of Glossary 1 finished, you should use this weekend to get caught up. See previous posts for information about the glossary assignments.

Due 2/13 or 2/17

Today is class we watched presentations on the stories of Demeter and Dionysus (the chapter in the book is called the two great gods of the earth). If you were absent, you will need to read and take notes on these stories, and ask me how to make up presentation points.

Your homework for Friday is to complete Glossary 1 part 3. Page numbers are

BB: 85-94
LB: 70-77

The terms are:

Prometheus, Epimetheus, Pandora, Chiron


Also, if you'd like to earn extra Gold, bring in some scotch (clear) tape to donate for a classroom project.

I also assigned the Hades Project as a long term project. The due date will be sometime in the new few weeks.

Due Tuesday 2/10 or 2/11

Prepare for your Demeter or Dionysus presentations. There is no other new homework, so use your time to get caught up on parts 1 and 2 of the glossary if you are not done with them.

Due Friday (B) 2/6 or Monday (A) 2/9

Glossary Group 2

You will need to read the following pages in your book:

BB: 38-52
LB: 36-47

Then, complete the following names for part 2 of your glossary.

Part 2:

Eros, Ocean, Triton, Pan, Castor and Pollux, Leda, Satyrs, Aeolus

Remember also to bring in your syllabus and part 1, if you haven't completed it yet.

Welcome to Semester 2 Mythology!

Please remember to bring in your signed syllabus form!

Your First Homework Assigment:

Read Pages

BB (Big Book) 25-37
or
LB (Little Book) 27-36

Then, complete a glossary enter for each of the following names

Glossary 1 Names

Part 1:

Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, Hades, Athena, Apollo, Artemis, Aphrodite, Hermes, Ares, Hephaestus, Hestia

Sample Glossary Entry:

Zeus- Chief Olympian god, who is the brother of both Hades and Poseidon. He is considered the Lord of the Sky, the Rain God, and the Thunderbolt. He is not a perfect god, and can often be deceived. He is known for having lots of affairs with women. His bird is the eagle and his tree is the oak.

Note: The more you write on each name, the more likely you are to receive bonus sheep!

NOTE: If you were absent on the first day, you will need to complete the following survey and turn it in to me. Also, you should complete this pretest before doing any reading in the book.

Mythology Final Exam Information

First of all, remember to bring your textbooks to class.

Your final consists of 120 questions, multiple choice. You may your both sides of a handwritten 3"X5" card for notes if you choose.

This is a comprehensive final, so you are responsible for everything we'v learned, although there is emphasis on those things that we haven't been tested on yet: Hercules, Trojan War, Odysseus, Aeneid, House of Thebes, House of Atreus.

Due January 14th (A) Day

Read the Adventures of Aeneas, parts 1 and 2 only. (Not part 3).

B-Day, your classes are still not quite lined up with A day, but you will be reading this eventually.