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Subject

English Language Arts (NYS P-12 Common Core)

Description

Students will finish reading The Odyssey and discuss themes. Students will identify examples of the themes in our world today as well as in the text.

For an overview of the entire unit on The Odyssey, or to view the other lessons within this unit, visit: The Odyssey by Homer: Unit Overview.

Duration

One 80-minute class period

Objectives

Students will know definitions of vocabulary words for Part 4.
Students will recognize themes in the text and find examples.
Students will identify examples from the real world that connect to themes from the text.
Students will identify examples of literary elements/devices from the text and record on their Mind Maps.

Essential Question(s)

Why is it important for people and cultures to construct narratives about their experience?
How do our values and beliefs shape who we are as individuals and influence our behavior?
To what extent do belief systems shape and reflect culture and society?

Materials & Resources

• Markers and Colored pencils (for updating Mind Maps)
• Theme worksheet (from The Odyssey Lesson 6)
• The Odyssey - we use the excerpts found in the textbook Glencoe Literature Course 4 by McGraw Hill

Step-by-Step Procedure

Anticipatory Set: Have students complete illustrations/visual images for Part 4 vocabulary.

1. Review Part 4 vocabulary words; check for student understanding.
2. Review Part 3 reading and revisit predictions.
3. Review themes- Students complete Real World Example and Parts 1 & 2 columns with a partner.
4. Discuss themes and examples as a class.
5. Review Mind Maps.
6. Read and discuss Part 4.
7. Check accuracy of students' predictions.

Closure: Have students update Mind Maps, then share with a partner two items they added.

Assessment

Student participation and performance in Theme Activity.
Student participation in updating Mind Maps.
Student participation in creating visuals for vocabulary words.

Related Academic Standards

New York State

9-10R4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings. Analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning, tone, and mood. Examine technical or key terms and how language differs across genres. (RI&RL)

AS.R.9 Analyze and evaluate texts using knowledge of literary forms, elements, and devices through a variety of lenses and perspectives.

AS.L.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in word meanings.

RL.9-10.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone).

RL.9-10.7.a Analyze works by authors or artists who represent diverse world cultures.

R.CCR.11 Respond to literature by employing knowledge of literary language, textual features, and forms to read and comprehend, reflect upon, and interpret literary texts from a variety of genres and a wide spectrum of American and world cultures.

L.CCR.5 Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.