Mythology: Course Introduction and Classroom Information
Course Description
This course is a survey of mythology in regards to its role in cultures around the world.
Instruction includes detailed study of myths from Greece and Rome, Asia, the Middle East,
Native American culture, the Norse culture, and the Celtic and Gaelic cultures with the
intention to develop and reinforce a global perspective. Students are expected to consider
the role of the mythology in each of these cultures while also discussing how the
corresponding myths have affected each culture from a literary perspective through both
written discourse and oral presentations.
Course Expectations
Students are expected to complete projects and assignments so as to enhance and develop
their understanding of other cultures and the myths that are the basis of those cultures.
Students will also develop a greater understanding of the various literary genres in
conjunction with the further expansion of their writing skills.
Projects and assignments include the following:
1. Tests and Quizzes
2. Daily assignments
3. Formal writing assignments
4. Journals
5. Creative projects
6. Oral presentations and participation
Classroom Expectations:
1. Students are expected to be respectful at all times.
a. Discussions
b. Participation
*Any behavior or activities that do not reflect a respectful and Christian attitude
toward the teacher or fellow students will result in swift consequences.
2. Students will take responsibility for their own education
a. Punctuality to class
b. Preparedness for class
c. Make-up Work
d. Missing/Late Assignments
e. Cheating and Plagiarism
3. Students will use technology effectively and responsibly
a. Macs should be closed unless asked otherwise
b. Students should only use the Mac to aid in the topic being discussed each day.
c. If given time to work independently, the student should ONLY be using the
computer for research relevant to literature.
Consequences for failure to meet Classroom Expectations:
1. Disrespectful students, depending on the severity of the behavior, will:
a. Apologize to all parties involved at time of incident
b. Meet with the teacher and other parties involved after class
c. Receive a detention as a result of a repeated offense
d. Go to the Dean
2. Students who do not take responsibility for their education will:
a. Meet with the teacher after class to discuss punctuality
b. Check with the teacher before or after class to get the assignments. The
students must turn in work missing as a result of an absence in a timely
manner. The student will receive a grace period of the total number of days
absent plus one extra day. If the student knows that he or she will be absent
ahead of time, he or she should meet with the instructor prior to that absence
to turn in work that will be missed during the absence. All assignments are
posted online and in the classroom. With social networking these days, there
are NO EXCUSES for not knowing the assignments or material.
c. Receive a reduction of 70% of the overall grade on the assignment per day
late. An assignment is considered late if it is not turned in at the beginning of
class when the teacher asks for it.
d. Cheating and Plagiarism will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Any
act of cheating will result in a zero on that work, whether it be daily work or
a test. Any act of plagiarism will result in a conference with the teacher, a
failing grade on the project, an academic integrity report, and a call to your
parents.
3. Students who do not use technology effectively and responsibly will
a. Receive a warning upon the first offense
b. Lose the privilege of using the Mac during the remainder of the class or for a
specified amount of time.
c. Your computer is like any other piece of property. If you were using your pen
for anything other than writing, you wouldn’t be allowed to keep it either.
Classroom Rules
In addition to behaving in a respectful manner at all times and taking responsibility
for one’s own education, students are required to follow all school rules and regulations
as outlined in the handbook.
Classroom Resources and Procedures:
Library E-16
A bookshelf with various awesome books is located at the front of the room. If at
anytime you have absolutely nothing to work on, feel free to snag a title off the shelf. These
books do not leave the room unless you have permission from the instructor.
The Coveted Bathroom Pass
The bathroom does not exist unless there is a serious emergency. You have five
minutes in between classes. Use your time wisely.
Assignments
Assignments will be collected at the beginning of class on the day they are due. All
assignments will be posted on the board and the classroom website. These assignments are
listed on the day that they are due, not the day that they are assigned. Each student will
also receive a syllabus for each unit to let him or her know each assignment in each unit in
addition to the due date for that assignment. A syllabus is provided for each unit so as to
assist the student in time management and assignment completion.
Grading
All grades will correspond to the school grading scale posted at the front of the
room. Grades are cumulative and are based on a total point system. These grades are able
to be viewed via the internet. * It is important to note that all major projects and
assignments will be presented along with a rubric so that the expectations for that
assignment are made as clear as possible.
Materials required for this class
Your laptop (Or a notebook and folder if you prefer to take notes on paper)
Filler paper
Blue or black ink pens
A pencil
A red pen
A flash drive
Access to a library card
Internet Access
Class Objectives
General:
 To develop a greater understanding of world cultures
 To analyze the development of various cultures over time
Literary:
 Analyze cross-cultural themes and story lines
 Character analysis  how do these characters reflect the civilization from which
they were created
Composition:
 Strengthen analytical and critical skills in regard to writing
 Continue to develop a personal voice in writing
Material to be covered
Text: World Mythology
 Greece and Rome
o “Creation of the Titans and the Gods”
o “The Ages of Man”
o “Pyramus and Thisbe”
o The Aeneid
 The Middle East
o Babylonia
 The Enuma Elish
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o Egypt
 Osiris, Isis, and Horus
o Hittite
 Telepinu
o Persia
 Esfandyar, the Prince Who Would Be King
Africa
o Nigeria
 The Creation of the Universe and Ife
o Zaire
 The Origin of Life and Fire
o Ghana
 Gassire’s Lute
Asia
o India
 The Creation, Death, and Rebirth of the Universe
 The Ramayana
o China
 The Creation of the Universe and Human beings
 Chi Li Slays the Serpent
o Hawaii
 The Taming of the Sun
o Japan
 Amaterasu
 Kotan Utunnai
Gaelic and Celtic Myths
o The Ages of the World
o Dagda the Good
Norse Myths
o The Theft of Thor’s Hammer
o The Creation, Death and Rebirth of the Universe
o The Death of Balder
o Sigurd the Volsung
Native American Myths
o Peru
 The Children of the Sun
o Guatemala
 The Creation
o Mexico
 Quetzacoatl
o United States
 Lodge-Boy and Thrown-Away
 The Woman Who Fell from the Sky
 Raven and the Sources of Light
o Canada

Caught by a Hair String
Composition:
 Character analysis
 Creative Writing – rewrite/continuation of the story from a villain’s
perspective
 Comparison/Contrast/Synthesis – look at a myth’s influence over time and
appearance in pop culture
 Reader/response essays
 Informative reports on each region
If you have any questions, please contact me at the email address below.
Mrs. Svoboda’s email: k.svoboda@pndhs.org