Johnson_English

Course Title: Concepts of heroism
Audience: 9th grade students in California

Course Goals and Objectives

Goals
During this course, students will develop an understanding of the heroic archetype in literature. After being introduced to the concept of archetypes, the heroic archetype will serve as model for comparison with heroes in literature and film. Students will reflect on how personal experiences have shaped their own ideas about what it means to be heroic. As you develop a working concept of heroism, you will reflect on your prior assumptions, on concepts of heroism in popular culture, on portraits of heroes and anti-heroes in literature, and on contemporary and historical figures from society. Students will conduct research on an influential figure in contemporary society and will evaluate this person’s accomplishments by comparison with heroic archetypes.

Objectives
After completing this course, you will be able to:
• Develop and articulate a written analysis of what it means to be heroic
• Research an influential figure in today’s society, and evaluate their major accomplishments in a written report.
• Present the findings of your research in a clearly written report that demonstrates your ability to paraphrase ideas and synthesize information.
• Compose a works cited page that documents research sources in MLA format.
• Evaluate the adventures of the classic hero, Odysseus, after considering text and film versions of The Odyssey.
• Explain how Odysseus demonstrates attributes of classic hero.
• Draw parallels between Odysseus’ adventures and the heroic journey archetype.
• Evaluate the purpose of the archetype for individuals and society