DoE Curriculum Unit: The Gods and the Heroes of the Odyssey
Standards and Frameworks: Massachusetts Foreign Language Curriculum Foreign Language Learning Standards
Presentation Communication Strand
Cultures Strand
Goals and Learning Objectives
Overview of Unit and Big Picture
Procedure: Clay Slab/Greek Mythology
Assessment
Presentational Communication Strand
3.1 students reinforce and further their knowledge of other disciplines through their study of classical languages
Cultures Strand
4.1 students recognize and use elements of their own language to increase knowledge of their own language
Goals and Learning Objectives
* to have students understand the role of the hero and myth in the Odyssey by identifying them through lists
* to have students understand literary word derivations from the vocabulary of the heroes, gods and goddesses of the Odyssey by defining them
I Overview of Unit and ‘Big Picture’:
This unit will focus on the hero and mythology of the Odyssey through visual media. Students at this level study the concept of the hero in Classical Mythology as a major theme of the curriculum at the second year level. They view the movie “The Odyssey” and we discuss the role of the gods and the hero as a theme in the movie via critical essays. Students are also introduced to the gods, creatures and characters of the epic via word derivations and definitions. They also translate some of the major stories told in the Odyssey. Included are a variety of artistic means for students to demonstrate mastery via Learning Styles and Multiple Intelligences. By integrating the arts into this curriculum students will understand the role of the hero and the machinations of the gods in Classical Mythology based on the Odyssey
II Procedure: Mythological Words
Discuss the concept of epic, hero and myth with students through readings and background material on the Odyssey. Have students give contemporary examples through a ‘think, pair, share’ activity. Introduce gods, goddesses and mythological characters from the Odyssey including a genealogy and glossary via handouts and visuals. Students can then fill in activity sheets on the gods with matching, fill-in the blanks and short answer exercises in their packets.
Assessment: Original Myths in Riddles
Students are to write five ( 5) original riddles using the characters, creatures, gods and goddesses from the Odyssey.
