English 9: Fall 2010 Laitinen The Odyssey Final Project After in-depth research on Greek mythology, reading and discussing excerpts from The Odyssey, and watching a film version of the epic poem you will complete a final project to demonstrate your understanding of Homer’s work. You may check out a textbook, consult internet sources, and use books or other materials to glean information for your project. You may choose from the following project options: 1. Brochure: Using Microsoft Publisher or other document software you will create a text and graphic rich brochure that highlights the various locations that Odysseus visited and the adventures he encountered on his travels home to Ithaca after the Trojan War. 2. Comic Strip: Choose an episode (ex: The Cyclops, The Sirens, Odysseus’ Revenge etc.) from The Odyssey to illustrate using a minimum of 10 comic strip cells. If you Google comic strip template you can find many possible layouts for a comic strip. 3. Newspaper: Format your project to look like a newspaper (published in either Ithaca or Troy about the adventures of Odysseus) and include any elements that you would find on the front page (feature articles, advertisements, weather report, gossip column etc.) 4. Journal: Write detailed journal entries from the perspective of five characters from The Odyssey other than Odysseus. Possible perspectives you could capture: Telemachus, Penelope, Athena, Polyphemus, Poseidon, Eurycleia, Circe, Anticleia etc. Make sure you establish when in the story they are writing the journals and include specific details. 5. One Act Play: Write a script that details one of the episodes from The Odyssey. Include character descriptions, stage directions and other elements that make up a play. You can work on this project option with a partner and may decide to perform your play for the class. 6. Video/Digital Story: Using Movie Maker or iMovie (or comparable software) you may create a short video (2-3 minutes) of one of the episodes of The Odyssey. You may work on this project option with a partner. 7. Audiocast/Radio Broadcast or Poetry Reading: Write a newscast that you would hear on the radio using specific details from The Odyssey. Using Audacity or other audio software you can record yourself reading the script. You could also write a series of poems and record yourself reading the poems. (3-5 minutes) 8. Board Game: Create a board game based on The Odyssey. Make sure you include directions for how to play and elements that make up a game (game pieces, cards, visuals, directions). 9. Song: Write a song (or series of short songs) based on The Odyssey. Turn in the lyrics to the song(s) and you may choose to either perform for the class or even turn in an audio CD. You may work with a partner on this project. 10. Essay: You may write an essay that explores a theme, character, or that makes a personal connection to The Odyssey. This needs to be a well developed essay that utilizes the correct format: title, introduction, thesis, (specific) supporting details, and a conclusion. 11. Movie Review: Take a movie (could be your favorite movie) and use the steps of Joseph Campbell’s “Hero’s Journey” to write an essay/movie review about the film. Trace how the movie uses the same structure as The Odyssey. Various themes from The Odyssey: Glory and fame Hubris- excessive pride or self-confidence; arrogance. Patriotism and love of country Sacrifice Temptation and mortal weakness/flaws Revenge Religion Loyalty and devotion Pressures of war Traits of a good leader Cunning vs. strength (brain vs. brawn) Hospitality to guests Family