WHAT DO WE MAKE OF SITA AS A HEROIC FIGURE? What do we think about the Ramayana as a whole, and what lessons do we take from this myth? This week we will finish our reading of the Hindu text, and begin reading secondary sources related to the myth.

MONDAY

Review of annotation techniques, and reading in large group the last three chapters of the epic poem.
HW: Revisit your annotations up to date. If you have any chapters that you have skipped annotating, go back and reread these, making language, writing questions, and looking for hero journey themes within the story.

TUESDAY

Day one of Sita Sings the Blues. This is a multi-genre film combining several art forms, retelling the Ramayana parallel to a contemporary love story, using the 1920s blues of American songstress Annette Hanshaw. The film, created by Nina Paley, is purposefully in the public domain. You can find more information about it here.
HW: Write and type a "point of entry" journal. Which moment in The Ramayana so far has been the most interesting to you, and why? Due in class tomorrow.

WEDNESDAY

Reading the conclusion of the epic poem.
HW: No homework. Go Cubs.

THURSDAY

Returning to Sita Sings the Blues. Here, Paley begins to investigate the cost of Rama's perfection and the price Sita pays for her love.
HW: Read the following article on the Ramayana's ending. (This is short...only one page long).

FRIDAY

We will finish watching the film. We will also discuss your view of the epic poem and what you make of its themes. Time permitting, we will begin reading the homework for the weekend. We will also work on finishing the crossword.
HW: Read the following journal that compares the Ramayana to the Iliad.