World Mythology
1:35-3:05 Tuesday, Thursday; 2:35-3:05 Friday
Amy Allison
aba14@scasd.org
Course Objectives
Through the study of World Mythology students will:
• Understand how myths have become part of our cultural heritage,
• Improve reading skills and the vocabulary pertaining to mythology,
• Develop note-taking strategies
• Improve discussion skills,
• Improve writing skills by generating creative pieces.
Course Guidelines
In order for this class to be successful, students must adhere to the following guidelines:
Respect
This class is not just lecture but also discussion. With that in mind I encourage
discussion, so everyone should participate. If you sit quietly and do not speak, you are
doing a disservice not only to yourself but to the class. Conversely, if you dominate
every discussion, you are not allowing your peers to voice their opinions. Please be
mindful and respectful of others when they have the floor and of diverse opinions that
may arise. Also note that participation will be a factor in your overall grade.
I won’t be texting or listening to music during class, so neither should you. If you feel
inclined to reach for your ipod or cell, please reach instead for your Delta expectations
and consequences and spend a few minutes reviewing them.
Attendance and Preparation
Students are expected to attend every class. In addition, you are also expected to adhere
to the following guidelines:
1.
Promptness of bodies: please come to class on time. If you are tardy, obtain a
pass from the office before entering the classroom. If you have been absent,
please bring your excuse from the office to class.
2.
Promptness of work: you must be prepared for class with all assignments
completed and ready to be turned in at the beginning of class. Papers should be
printed before class starts. If, for some reason, you must turn your work in late,
please make arrangements with me before class. All late papers, larger
worksheets, and projects will be docked 20% for every day (weekends count as
two days) and smaller assignments will not be accepted.
3.
Unexcused absences: Unexcused absences are . . . not excused; therefore, I will
accept no late work and you will not be able to make up tests or quizzes.
4.
Quizzes: you can expect quizzes on reading assignments. I strongly encourage
5.
6.
7.
8.
you to take notes while reading as you may use these notes should any pop
quizzes arise.
Appearance: all papers must be typed.
Grammar, Spelling, Proofreading: remember that if your text is fraught with
errors, your message won’t get through. Please proofread your papers. Also,
have someone else proof read them as well (an extra pair of eyes can be helpful).
Save early, save often! Save all your work and keep all hard copies even after
they have been graded and handed back.
Technology Issues? If for some reason you find that your device isn’t functioning
right or the printer won’t print, email it to your school address or mine (see the
top of this syllabus), put it on a jump drive, or call/text/email/ facebook me if
necessary. If you have to email something to your school address, please copy
and paste it; attachments don’t always get through unscathed.
Plagiarism and Cheating:
You may talk to your friends about homework and brainstorm ideas: this is not
plagiarism. However, if you “borrow” someone else’s published or unpublished ideas or
copy from anything (including worksheets and the internet) without proper citation, you
are plagiarizing. Don’t do it! You will receive a zero if you plagiarize, and I will contact
your advisor. Cheating is not acceptable. Copying your friend’s homework is cheating,
so is wandering eyes on quizzes and tests. You’ll receive a zero and I will contact your
advisor. Don’t do it.
Computers and ipads are great tools, but they can be abused in class. If you are off task,
you distract your peers and belittle your teacher. Please use them only for the intended
academic purposes during class or expect to forfeit their company.
Assessment
You will be assessed on the following work:
quizzes
multiple creative writing assignments
presentations
Extra Credit
You can receive extra credit by being aware of mythological references. You may earn
one extra credit point per day if you bring in an item that references Norse mythology,
Egyptian mythology or Arthurian legend. However, you must bring in the item during
that unit. You may not repeat items or ideas. For example, if Sally brings in an
advertisement for Thor’s Hardware one day, she may not bring in a brochure from that
same place the next day. Also, no other class member may bring in anything for Thor’s
Hardware. You may bring in references to works of art, literature, advertisements, music,
etc. You may not bring in books on mythology. Finally, you must actually BRING
something in, so you can’t reference a commercial you saw or song you heard. Bring in
the youtube video or the printed lyrics.