Mrs. Drum
Classical Influences
Semester 1, 2015-2016—Period 8
adrum@tamaqua.k12.pa.us
Course Description:
This semester-long English elective will provide you with an opportunity to build strong
foundational knowledge about ancient Greek, Roman, and Scandinavian (Norse) cultures. You
will complete a comprehensive study of major creation myths, gods, and heroes of each ancient
civilization and their influence on art, literature, and modern culture. Archetypal patterns,
themes, and symbols within myths will be examined, and several major literary works will be
studied.
Course texts:
Primary Course Texts:
Metamorphoses by Ovid
The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson
Mythology by Edith Hamilton
Medea by Euripides
Myths of the Norsemen by Helene Guerber (online text)
Supplementary Course Texts:
Selections from Heroides by Ovid
Selections from “The Homeric Hymns”
Selections from The Complete World of Greek Mythology by Richard Buxton
Selections from The Children of Odin by Padraic Colum
Selections from The Volsunga Saga
Norse Mythology: Legends of Gods and Heroes by Peter Andreas Munch (online text)
Selections from Greek Mythology for Teens by Zachary Hamby
Units of Study:
Unit 1: Introduction to Mythology, Greco-Roman Culture, Cosmology,
The Early Gods, & The Underworld
Unit 2: The Greco-Roman Pantheon & Famous Myths
Unit 3: Greco-Roman Hero Stories & Decline of Worship
Unit 4: Scandinavian Culture, Cosmology, and the Early Gods
Unit 5: Norse Pantheon & God Stories
Unit 6: Minor Gods, The Twilight of the Gods, & Decline of Worship
Unit 7: Norse Hero Stories
Grading:
Grades are based on an accumulation of total points. Throughout the course, you will be given
the opportunity to earn points through homework assignments, individual and group projects,
quizzes, tests, in-class activities, and writing assignments. Please be aware that ANY work
handed in LATE will NOT RECEIVE CREDIT! Extra credit opportunities may be given
throughout each quarter.
Projects:
Various individual and group projects will be assigned throughout the course. Special grading
procedures will be announced at the beginning of the project assignment. No late projects will
be accepted.
Exams:
Teacher-constructed tests will be used for each unit of study. Exams may be objective, short
response, or a combination of both. Exams must be completed within the 45-minute class period
during which the test is given. There will be no exceptions! Additionally, because all exams
will be pre-announced, all students will be expected to take the exam on the assigned day.
Students who are absent on the day of a test will make up the exam immediately upon return.
Arrangements will be made in the case of a lengthy absence.
Quizzes:
Quizzes will be used to check for comprehension. Both pre-announced and unannounced
quizzes may be given to ensure that students are keeping up with reading assignments. Students
who are absent on the day of an unannounced quiz will be required to take a make-up quiz within
one day of his or her return.
Homework:
All homework assigned in this class will be counted towards your grade. No late homework
assignment will be accepted after the teacher has collected it at the beginning of class. If you are
absent, it is your responsibility to see the teacher for missed assignments and handouts. Failure
to do this will result in a zero for any assignments missed during your absence. Any work
missed due to absence will be due the day after your return.
Participation:
Students are expected to be prepared for class so that class discussions can be utilized.
Additionally, all students are expected to be active participants on a daily basis. Students will
have points added to or deducted from their final grade at the end of each quarter, depending
upon their level of participation throughout the quarter. These points will be given at the
discretion of the teacher and are not disputable. The points will be given on the following scale:
2 pts.
Given to students that participate every day, are always prepared for class, have a positive
attitude, are always on-task, and stick out in my mind as being an active member of class on a
daily basis
1 pt.
Given to students who participate less frequently but are always prepared for class, are always
paying attention, are always on-task, and have a positive attitude
0 pts.
Students will not receive additional points on their final grade each quarter if they never
participate, are unprepared for class, are frequently off-task, display a negative attitude, or are
absent for extended periods of time and cannot participate. Simply, these students will get the
grade they earn and nothing else.
Point Deductions
On rare occasions, I reserve the right to deduct participation points in the event that a student is a
disruption to the learning environment in the classroom. This student is often off-task, has a
negative attitude towards the class and classmates, sleeps, is always unprepared for class, is
disrespectful towards the teacher, and/or is a constant distraction during the daily lesson.
Cheating:
Cheating will not be tolerated in this class. Any student who is caught cheating on a test or a
quiz will be given an automatic zero and will not be permitted to retake the assessment.
Additionally, the principal and parents will be notified, and, when applicable, the honor card
committee.
Plagiarism:
Plagiarism is cheating and is not acceptable in this class. Any student who is caught plagiarizing
from the internet, a book, or even another student will be given a zero, will not be permitted to
resubmit the assignment, and will be reported to the office for further discipline. Furthermore,
parents, and, when applicable, the honor card committee, will be contacted.
Classroom Rules:
1. Be respectful.
2. Come to class with all needed materials.
3. No profanity or vulgarity will be accepted.
4. Come to class on time. Failure to do so will result in a discipline
referral.
5. Do not pack up until the bell rings or the teacher ends the class. Doing
so will result in a loss of participation points.
6. Be responsible for all books and class materials assigned to you.
I have read the information above and understand what is expected of me in this class. I also
understand the consequences that will occur in the event that I cheat, plagiarize, or fail to hand in
an assignment on the assigned date.
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Signature
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Date