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The Hero's Quest

 

 

 

This class will focus on the idea of the journey and how it affects one's character. We will be examining the term "hero" while closely examining the epic poem The Odyssey by Homer.

 

Below is one of the major projects that the students work on in this class. They will be reading newspapers, researching prominent historical figures, analyzing poetry, and conducting interviews The students are being asked to examine the definition of "hero" and how people interpret the word in many ways. Below is a general overview of each activity, if you click on the link you will be brought to a more detailed description of each activity.

The Hero's Journey Unit Overview
Key Idea: How can the word "hero" be interpreted from a variety of perspectives?

Activity One: Everyday Heroes

  • Students will read newspaper and magazine articles to find a story about an "everyday hero.
  • Students will discuss the characteristics of a hero.
  • Students will discuss how their original definition of a hero might be different from the definition of an "everyday" hero.
  • Students will create a newscast that reflects the group's discussion about the everyday heroes that they have chosen.

  • Student will have an opportunity to choose four famous people from four different categories.
  • Students will research and discuss the accomplishments of each person.
  • Students will make a list of questions they would ask if they met.
  • Students will imagine that the people that they have chosen are gathering together for a "meeting of the minds" and create a skit where each group member becomes one of the people that they researched.
  • Students will be discussing what point of view means.
  • Students will read and discuss a poem, article, song, and comic strip with varying perspectives about heroism.
  • Students will create and present a song, poem, or comic strip that represents each author/artist's view about heroism
  • Students will be creating a video based on people's responses to interview questions about heroes.
  • Students will be developing interview questions.
    Students will be interviewing children, teenagers, and adults about their definition of the word "hero".
  • Students will be presenting their tape and writing a group report about the responses.

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