Researching a Mythological Character
This major unit assignment will give you the opportunity to READ and to SPEAK about a
myth, and to LISTEN to myths. You may choose your topic from the list provided (one per
student).
READING AND RESEARCH
Choose a Greek/Roman mythological character below. Read about and take notes on your
character from at least three different sources (and not Wikipedia!), record your sources
in the MLA format.
The information you’re looking for should include:
Character information :
family tree
symbols
autobiographical narrative
at least one myth
Literary allusions - 2 required*
Passage quoted and source documented (MLA format)
Explanatory paragraph
Commercial/advertising allusions - 1 required*
Written/graphic ad or descriptive paragraph of commercial
Documentation (MLA format)
Explanatory caption
Artistic (music, art, dance, film) interpretations - 1 required*
Picture, quoted material, or descriptive paragraph of artwork
Documentation (MLA format)
Explanatory caption
Zeus: jlsdkjaikgkgjhcvvljffjsdfjj
Literary allusions: “Leda & the Swan”
by W.B. Yeats is a poem…
Commercial allusions: The computer
tech company…
Artistic interpretations: The above
painting by Jean Auguste Ingres…
Works Cited
Create a poster dedicated to your character. Include a write-up using the headings above
and a visual representation of your character.
ORAL PRESENTATION Present your poster to the class.
You will have 5 minutes to present the mythological story/character you
have researched. This is your opportunity to use the oral tradition. You
should tell the story without reference to your research. This means that
you will have to absorb the story and retell it in much the same way that
stories were passed down through the oral tradition. Use of props,
costumes, masks to help you tell the story will add visual appeal.
Learning Skills
Responsibility
Organization
Independent Work
Collaboration
Initiative
Self-Regulation
- work completed on time
- takes responsibility for and manages own behaviour
- identifies, gathers, evaluates, and uses information, technology, and
resources to complete tasks
- uses class time appropriately; follows instructions with minimal supervision
- shares information, resources, expertise etc. with peers
- approaches new tasks with a positive attitude
- demonstrates curiosity and interest in learning
- identifies learning opportunities, choices, and strategies to meet personal
needs and achieve goals
- assesses and reflects critically on own work and use of time
N S G E
N S G E
N S G E
N S G E
N S G E
N S G E
THE TOPICS
Achilles
Adonis
Aphrodite
Apple of Discord
Apollo
Arachne
Ariadne
Athena
Atlas
Atlantis
Daedalus and Icarus
Demeter/Persephone
Deucalion’s Flood
Dionysius
Electra
Epimetheus
Eros and Psysche
Europa
Hecuba
Helen of Troy
Hera
Hephaestus
Hercules
Jason
Leda
Medea
Midas
Narcissus and Echo
Niobe
Odysseus
Oedipus
Orpheus & Euridyce
Pandora
Poseidon
Prometheus/ Pygmalian
Pyramus and Thisbe
Romulus and Remus
Sisyphus
Sibyl
Theseus/Minotaur
Tiresias
ENG 2DI Researching a Mythological Character
Knowledge/Understanding CONTENT
~ synthesize material from three sources
~ relationship between ideas, information and concepts
Thinking
PROCESS
Use of planning skills
~ gathering information, focusing research, generating ideas
~ process adhered to
Use of critical/ creative thinking processes
~ analyzing, integrating, synthesizing, evaluating, forming
conclusions
Communication
WRITING/ORGANIZATION
Use of Conventions
~ Standard English
~ Works cited correctly formatted
Communication for different audiences and purposes
~ organized and informative print media
Oral Communication:
~ clear expression, logical organization
~ diction
~ expressive voice
Application FINAL PRODUCT-pulling it together
~ connections made between research findings; research
demonstrated
~ employs confident speaking skills
0-49%
R
LEGENDS
King Arthur
Druids
Enchanted Forest
Excalibur
Guinevere & Lancelot
The Holy Grail
Morgan Le Fay
Tristan and Isolde
Merlin
Sir Gawain
50-59%
Level 1
60-69%
Level 2
70-79%
Level 3
80-100%
Level 4