Download English I Precourse Reading

Pre-course Reading
English-1
9th Grade
“The Odyssey”
Over the summer break you will read “The Odyssey”, research a Greek God then
write a short research paper about the God you choose, create a poster about the
same Greek God you chose to research (the poster will be presented in class), plot
the route of Odysseus on a map, and use selective underlining in the text to find
evidence of the character of Odysseus. Then you will use the evidence found of
his character to write a short Essay.
“The Odyssey” is an exciting tale of Odysseus’ journey back home to Ithica after
fighting in the Trojan War. He faces many perils and delays as he takes 10 years
to reach his home. The story is full of adventure and medaling by the Greek Gods.
I hope you enjoy it.
All assignments are due the first week of the 2015/2016 school year. They will be
graded and we will use the book the first few weeks of class so, bring it with you
to school in the fall. Have a great summer and see you in August.
If you have questions or need help feel free to contact me through my school
email account [email protected].
Mrs. Jones
English 1
Before reading:
Write a short essay (150 words) that answers the essential question below.
What does it take to be a hero and can anyone be a hero?
As You Read Assignments
1. As you read underline short passages that can be used as evidence of the
character of Odysseus. Create a journal using the two column note
strategy. Write down the passage and explain what it shows you about the
character of Odysseus. (One journal entry per chapter 24 total)
2. As you read mark the route of Odysseus’ journey home on the map
provided.
Research
1. Using reliable resources research the author a Greek God of your choice,
then write a short research paper about the God you chose (500 words).
 Be sure to use a minimum of 3 reliable resources (Wikipedia is not an
acceptable or reliable source).
 Don’t forget to cite the source of each quote as you write (if you do
not cite sources the quoted information in your paper will be
considered plagiarized).
 Include a works sited (bibliography) of resources (MLA format).
Perdue Owl is a good web-site to help with the citation and MLA
format
 Follow the conventions of standard written English.
 The research paper should be one to two typed pages double spaced.
Gods and Goddesses of Greek Mythology
Zeus - king of the gods and ruler of the heavens
Hera- wife of Zeus and goddess of married women
Poseidon – god of the seas
Hades – god of the underworld
Aphrodite – goddess of love and beauty
Ares – god of war
Apollo – god of prophesy and music
Artemis – goddess of the hunt and the moon
Athena – goddess of wisdom
Hephaestus – god of fire and metalwork
Hermes – god of commerce and cunning
Demeter – goddess of the harvest
Dionysus – god of wine
Hestia – goddess of home and hearth
Helios – sun god
Uranus – sky god supplanted by his son Cronus
Gaea – earth goddess and mother of the Titans and Cyclopes
The Fates – Three goddesses who wove the threads of each person’s life Clotho, Lachesis, and
Atropos
The Muses - nine goddesses who presided over the arts and sciences
2. On a poster board create a standard sizes poster board presentation of researched
information about the god that you selected for the research paper. This may include
pictures drawings, magazine photos. Remember you will use this in a presentation to
the class about the god or goddess that you selected. Be creative.
After Reading Response to Text
Write a character essay about Odysseus answering the following prompt.
 Refer to your two column notes for quotes to support your ideas.
 Remember to cite the quotes you use from “The Odyssey” to support the
ideas in your paper (if you don’t cite the source of the quote your paper will
be considered plagiarized).
A classic Greek hero is strong, intelligent, cunning, an excellent fighter and
handsome.
What kind of Hero is Odysseus?
Name _________________________________
Double Entry Journal
Chapter, Page Number, Quote from the text What does this quote from the text reveal
about the character of Odysseus?
Chapter:
Page Number;
Quote: