Myth and Legend

Myth and Legend

Mythology Project

Learning Objectives:

• I can synthesize multiple sources of information presented in different media or formats. [RI.11-CCR.7]
• I can conduct short as well as more sustained research projects to answer a question. [W.11-CCR.7]
• I can synthesize multiple sources on a subject and demonstrate an understanding of the subject under investigation. [W.11-CCR.8]
• I can use dictionaries and other reference materials to find the pronunciation of a word or determine or clarify its precise meaning, its part of speech, its etymology, or its standard usage. [L.11-12.4.c]

In many of the sections of this project, as responsible individuals, you are given the opportunity to challenge yourselves by choosing to fulfill the requirements of either the “A” grade or the “B” grade option. Of course, fulfilling these requirements does not automatically guarantee that you will receive an “A” or “B,” but it does make these grades obtainable for you if your work meets the standards discussed.

1. Mythological Dictionary (worth 40 points—5 points for each word explanation, 3 points for each multiple-choice question based on the words) Due:______(no later than two weeks before the end of 3rd quarter—3/10; test on the etymology and meaning of the words will be administered on Thursday, March 16)

The words or phrases in Appendix A can all be traced back to Greek, Roman, or Norse mythology. You are to address up to five mythology-based words in no more than four sentences. In 3-4 vivid, varied, and concise sentences, explain the mythological origin of the word, the modern definition of the word, and the connection between the two, adding your explanations to a page on our class wiki. In order to be eligible for an “A,” you must complete 5. Completing 4 makes you eligible for a “B,” and a minimum of 3 must be completed for any other passing grade. Because you must be responsible and ethical as a researcher, your explanations of the words’ etymology must contain internal citations for information found from outside sources and you must include your correctly formatted source citations in our Works Cited at the end of the page at the end of the assignment. Provide opportunities for further exploration by including links and visuals in your explanations.

In addition to the explanations of the origins of the words on the wiki, you must also submit a google document containing multiple choice questions based on the information you uncovered in your research. Your test questions should go beyond simple recall questions and encourage critical thought. The class will study the word meanings and origins on the wiki in order to take a test on the words at the end of the quarter.

2. Mythological Figures (60 points) 3-5 summaries due:______(no later than one week before the end of 3rd quarter—3/17)

You will research some of the important figures listed in Appendix B (you are not limited to these figures—they are just there to get you thinking) and write a paragraph of at least 100 words summarizing what you learned in your research, concentrating on using advanced stylistic writing to illustrate the characteristics of each figure as well as explain what the stories associated with each figure have to tell us about the culture which created them. Be sure to identify any similarities you find between characters (i.e., Thor and Zeus are both sky gods who create thunder and lightning, etc.) and discuss what these similarities show us about the various cultures and about humans in general.

This assignment should be shared with the class on our wiki page. Be sure to cite your information within the paragraphs and include your works cited entries at the bottom of the page. You should also include links, images, video clips, and any other material that helps show the characteristics of the mythological figures.

Grade Requirements: A--5 summaries B--4 summaries Minimum of 3 for any other grade

3. Mythological References in Our Culture (worth 30 points) 1-3 references due:______(no later than one week before the end of 3rd quarter—3/17)

Look for references to mythology in our culture and share them on our wiki page. These references could be commercials, advertisements, song lyrics, company names, product names, literary/journalistic allusions, etc. For each reference, include a link/picture/video and a well-written explanation of which myth is referenced and why it is referenced.

This assignment should be shared with the class on our wiki page. Be sure to cite your information within the paragraphs and include your works cited entries at the bottom of the page.

Grade Requirements: A--3 references B--2 references Minimum of 1 for any other grade

Sequence of Events:

1. Meet with small group to determine group due dates for sections 1, 2, & 3.

1. Begin researching etymology of words/ mythological figures/mythological references in class using the chrome books.

1. Individually complete Sections 1, 2, and 3, adding them to the wiki with your name on all you create so that they are ready to be viewed by all and evaluated by teacher on your chosen due date.

1. On the Section 1 (Mythological Dictionary) due date, share your multiple choice questions with me via google classroom. This will let me know which words you added to the wiki and serve as potential test questions.

1. Take test on words of mythological origin on Thursday, March 16

Appendix A: use with Section 1

Words with Mythological Origin (to get you started with the Mythological Dictionary)

Tantalize Typhoon Oceanic Vulcanize

June Museum Chronology Nemesis

Geology Somnolent Terminal Psychology

Thursday Volcano Mentor Hyacinth

Iris Hygiene Insomnia Phaeton

Chaotic Procrustean Ambrosial Venerate

Cereal Morphine Floral Bacchic

Martial Titanic Jovial Berserk

Panic Solar Narcissism Zephyr

Protean Rhadamanthine Echo January

Hypnotism Mercurial Friday Atrophy

Aphrodisiac Atlas Berserk Hermaphrodite

Helium Hermetic Labyrinthine Chimeric

Odyssey Herculean Promethean Lethargic

Hydrant Bacchanal Sisyphean Furious

Phrases with Mythological Origin

The Midas touch Rich as Croesus

Sirens’ Song Beware of Greeks bearing gifts

Feeding on Ambrosia and Nectar An Achilles’ heel

Saturnine character Resting on your laurels

Pandora’s box Between a rock and a hard place

Elektra complex Oedipal complex

Appendix B

Use these for Section 2. If you are researching Greek/Roman figures, you must ONLY choose from those listed. When researching figures from other cultures, you may choose whatever characters you wish—these are just some options to get you started.

Appendix C:

Examples for Section 1 & 2

Sample Section 1 Word Explanations—Which do you think are best?

Example #1

Morphine comes from Morpheus and it is a narcotic drug (Dictionary.com).

1.  contemporary usage √

2.  mythological origin X

3.  connection between myth and usage X

4.  proper MLA √

Example #2

Morphine is a narcotic drug that eases pain. This word comes to us from the Greek god of dreams, Morpheus. Morpheus could change into any human form and show up in dreams.

1.  contemporary usage √

2.  mythological origin √

3.  connection between myth and usage X

4.  proper MLA X

Example #3

Morpheus was the Greek god of dreams. As the god of dreams, he would change shape and appear in people’s dreams.

1.  contemporary usage X

2.  mythological origin √

3.  connection between myth and usage X

4.  proper MLA X

Example #4

Morphine, a “narcotic drug used to ease pain and induce sleep,” is typically used after surgeries to help assuage a patient’s discomfort (Dictionary.com). This word comes to us through the Greek god of dreams, Morpheus, who has the ability to take any human form and appear in dreams (Theoi Greek Mythology). Because morphine has powers similar to the sleep-inducing, hallucinogenic powers of the Greek god of dreams, we have named it in honor of Morpheus.

1. contemporary usage √
2. mythological origin √
3. connection between myth and usage √
4. proper MLA √

Sample Section 2, Mythological Figures, Summaries:

Example #1:

Characteristics of Example #1:

·  Weak syntax = Simple sentences which use few transitions and little subordination.

·  Poor variety = Repetitive sentence beginnings, lengths, structures.

·  Weak focus = Paragraphs which jump around from idea to idea.

·  Poor organization = Little or no evidence of putting ideas in any logical order.

·  No citations = there are no internal citations to let the reader know where the information came from.

Example # 2:

Characteristics of Example #2:

·  Syntax =Sentences are richer in details and more complex, using transitions to ease the reader from one thought to another, and subordination to build in related details.

·  Variety = Varied sentence beginnings, lengths, structures.

·  Focus = The paragraph is unified by a topic sentence which identifies Hermes as the messenger of the gods. The rest of the paragraph explains what that means by giving details about Hermes’ personality traits, and his responsibilities, as well as his similarities with gods from other cultures.

·  Organization = Each idea logically follows the next.

·  Citation = parenthetical citation lets the reader know that the information on Hermes came from Edith Hamilton’s book.