NOW THAT we are finished with our first drafts of The Ramayana essays, we can spend some time reading Homer's Iliad in earnest. Revisions are due this Wednesday.

Monday

Why does Thanksgiving matter? A brief lecture on ritual, food, and our next reading, Like Water for Chocolate, a modern novel on food and becoming a whole person. We will also have our last two readers, and then reviewing books 1, 3 and 5 for the six themes.
HW: Review books 1, 3 and 5 for the themes. Book 6 should be read by Wednesday. Your revision is due Wednesday as well.

Tuesday

Discussion of books 1, 3 and 5. We will start with some short written responses to questions, and then will talk about the themes in small group. We will also read a short anecdote about love, Ares, Aphrodite, and Hephastus.
HW: Finish book six and revising your essay.

Wednesday

Listening to Book 16 together in class. We see Patroclus and Achilles plan a counterattack that will end badly for both. While reading, annotate for their relationship: What is the nature of their friendship?
HW: Finish reading book sixteen, and read book eighteen. Here, we see Hephastus' creating Achilles' shield. Pay close attention to this description, as you will draw it in class tomorrow. Bring a box of crayons or colored pencils!

Thursday

The shield of Achilles. Why does Hephastus create such an ornate design on Achilles' shield? What purpose does this design satisfy...why is it there, on the armor of such a killer?
HW: Read book twenty. We see Achilles attaining his aresteia.

Friday

Today we will listen to book 21. As we do, pay close attention to Achilles' battle with nature. What is the larger meaning of such a conflict, when man destroys nature?
HW: Reading book 22 and 23. We finish the Iliad on Monday.