Unit Goals and Objectives
Homer's Odyssey

1. The student should develop a good, working understanding of the meaning of the term "epic"-- what it is, what it implies, what it means, how we use the term today, how to identify/classify a work as wpic, etc.

• Given the definiton of "epic" in literary terminology, the student will be able to apply that term to The Odyssey by listing and describing the thirteen criteria that qualify it as an epic with 100% accuracy.

2. The student should develop at least a basic understanding of Greek mythology as as to a.)   be able to identify and make connections in terms of literary allustions in later works; b.)   create a basis from which to make connections with other cultures and teir mythos; and c.)   help form an understanding of the significance of myth in Western cultures.

• Upon completion of a research project on some aspect of Greek mythology and discussion in class, the student will be able to persent and critically analyze a myth/mythological theme. Evaluation based on completemess, use of outside resources, content, organization and final product presentation-- with 100% accuracy.

3. The student should work to develop oral language sklls through performance and reading aloud.

• Having been assigned to small groups, the students will collaborate and develop a presentation based on a scene in The Odyssey to be evaluated by the teacher and their peers on the basis of content, presentation, and organization.
• Given an assigned section of The Odyssey, the student will be able to read aloud that section to the class with a minimal number of mistakes, demonstrating appropriate use of voice and tone.

4. The student should develop skills in writing mechanics, grammar, structure/organization and the importance of content.

• Given a set of requirements and options, the student will write an analysis paper on The Odyssey and a given work, to first be evaluated by peers and revised and turned in for a final grade with a minimum of 90% in mechanics and a 90% in content.

5. The students will learn about the Homeric form of poetry and the different devices used, be able to identifu meter, as wlel as have the experience of creating their own metric lines.

• Given a background on Homeric meter, the student will create a minimum of 6 lines of metered verse using a mythological theme with complete accuracy.

6. The student will know who Homer is and his importance and influence on literary history.

• Given historical background in class, the student will be able to take an assigned work and relate it back to at least two themes, ideas, and/or allustions made to The Odyssey to be presented in a one to two page paper with complete accuracy.

7. The student wil think critically about literature and its function in history, culture and personal experience.

• Given classroom discussion and personal reading, the student will respond to questions in class having to do with ideas and themes in The Odyssey.  The criteria for evaluation of these assignments will be based on content, thoughtfulness of responses, and participation in discussions concerned.

8. The student should assume responsibility for assigned tasks while working cooperatively toward group goals.

• Given group instructions, students will take responsibility for assigned tasks by participating in group work, including student evaluations of group work, 100% of the time.

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