The Purpose of the new District Curriculum Framework is to increase achievement by aligning curriculum, instruction, and assessments to state standards. Additional reading selections and material will be supplemented on an as needed basis.
Grading Policy:
Classwork and Homework 15%
Quizzes 15%
Essays/Writing 20%
Tests 25%
Projects 25%
Unit #1: The Journey: The Odyssey and Zeitoun
In the textbook:
1. Genre Focus: Epic and Myth Pages 824-825
2. Qualities of an Epic Hero: Pages 830-831
3. Literary History: Homer and the Epic Pages 832-833
4. The Odyssey Part I: Pages 839-855 5. The Odyssey Part II: Pages 858-869
6. The Odyssey Part III: Pages 872-883
7. The Odyssey Part IV: Pages 886-895
Guiding Questions:
· What distinguishes heroes from everyone else?
· What are some examples of how Zeitoun’s misguided deeds and Odysseus’ hubris prevent them from being reunited with their loved ones?
· Why should an individual be held responsible for his actions when there is interference from other characters and outside factors?
· Why do sacrifices have to be made to survive an epic journey, and in what ways do these sacrifices affect all individuals/characters?
Unit #2: Comparing the Odyssey and Zeitoun
Novel: Zeitoun by Dave Eggers
Guiding Questions:
· How can a person’s strengths or weaknesses affect whether he or she survives difficult situations?