Mythology and Folklore
Fall 2010
Mrs. Reaves Rm. 242
School email: akreaves@muscatine.k12.ia.us
School Phone Number: 563-263-6141 Ext. 1370
Course Description
This is a one-semester course designed to introduce students to a multitude of
cultures through their mythologies and folklore. Students will have the opportunity to
study the myths and folklore from countries/cultures around the world. It will introduce
students to classical mythology and its impact on our culture and its own. We will
explore Greek and Roman mythologies, as well as Norse mythology. We may also
explore other world mythologies if time allows.
Course Materials
Mythology by Edith Hamilton
The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
General Class Rules
1. Be on time.
2. Be prepared.
3. Be respectful.
4. Actively participate from Bell to Bell.
Polices and Procedures for Discipline Issues
Students are taken through this process before being referred out:
-
Given a verbal warning
Given a written warning
Assigned an after school detention
Three criteria:
1. Insubordination-I tell you to do/don't do something and
you do/don't do it again
2. Foul language/disrespect to classmates or teacher
3. Failure to be on-task in class
If you do one of the above then you will be given a 10 minute after-school detention that
you get 2 optional days to serve it must be here by 3:20 (2:20 on Monday).
If you fail to serve this detention then it will be turned into the administrator for an
appropriate punishment.
Materials needed for class
 MHS Student Planner: Students are required to bring their MHS planner to
class and use as instructed by the teacher.
 Writing Utensil: Pen (Blue or Black)
 Loose-leaf Paper
 Notebook capable of being turned in for grading
 Folder
 Mythology and/or Hobbit Packet
Essential Learning’s
1. Awareness of the values, beliefs, and customs that link our society to past cultures
through our mythologies and folklore.
2. Realization that changes in cultures and societies accommodate different versions of
stories throughout time.
3. Understanding of the differences and similarities among cultures and peoples.
4. Understand that through the study of myth a people can better understand themselves,
because myth and folklore treat values as living forces which motivate behavior.
5. Students will use a variety of strategies to understand unfamiliar vocabulary found in
narrative text, technical reading and literary text.
6. Students will use a variety of skills and strategies to comprehend and interpret complex
literature.
7. Students will demonstrate creative thinking, construct knowledge, and develop
innovative products and processes using technology.
8. Students will demonstrate leadership skills, integrity, ethical behavior, and social
responsibility while collaborating to achieve common goals.
9. Students will use an effective writing process and incorporate technology to improve
writing.
10. Students will learn about the classical hero and the hero saga and be able to identify
heroes in other cultures.
Course Outline
1. Elements of myth and the creation story
2. Hero saga
3. Greek and Roman Mythologies
4. Norse Mythology
5. Self-Selected Project
6. Folklore
7. The Hobbit/Lord of the Rings
Evaluations/Assessments
The final grade for this course is based on a combination of formal and informal
assessments. Formal evaluations include quizzes, tests, oral presentations, formal writing
assignments, packets on Myth and The Hobbit, semester exam and formal projects.
Informal evaluations include class participation, classroom, community involvement,
informal writing projects, daily work, teacher observation and attendance. The semester
test will count for 20% of your semester grade.
Reading assignments are expected to be completed in the time allotted. You will
be expected to do the vast majority of the independent reading on your own time.
Absences/Make-up and Late Work
Please refer to the student handbook/planner for the MHS attendance policy. All
work turned in for full credit is due by the end of the period. All work turned in after
the assigned date will be counted late and be given up to ½ its designated value.
Make-up work should be completed immediately. Two days are allowed for each day
that you are excused from class. You can not make up work if you were counted
unexcused. Make-up work should be done outside class time. Quizzes and tests will not
be made up during class time. Make arrangements with the teacher for test/quiz make up
and extra help.
*Planned absences, such as absences for an activity and/or sport, does not excuse a
student from preparing assignments on time and/or taking quizzes and tests with the class
at the designated time. Students are required to notify the teacher prior to the planned
absences. These students will have 24 hours to complete the assignment and/or take the
quiz or test.
Grading Scale
100-90 = A
89-80 = B
79-70 = C
69-60= D
59 & below =F
Please note: Good teachers are flexible teachers, so I reserve the right to modify the
course, its instruction and its evaluation as needed, depending on students’ needs.
Students will be notified of such, and compensation made if applicable.