WHEN READING HOMER'S ILIAD you should annotate both for the poem's theme in the scale of Greek civilization--be that loyalty, leadership, love, death, honor or what have you--but also the poem's meaning on a human scale. What would Campbell say about this myth's meaning? What would Jung say about Achilles's struggle between fate and honor? Your written, marginal notes should reflect the reader's dialogue with the text, not just about what's happening, but with meaning as well. Remember: writing is a form of thinking. Your written notes should reflect the reader's thinking.

MONDAY

The five minute version of Homer's Iliad. Lecture on the poem's themes and how to annotate the text. I will also provide a brief overview of the text's background. We will then turn to the essays on The Ramayana. Revisions on these essays are due on Wednesday.
Revise your essay, and read the “Translator’s Preface” on pages ix-xv

TUESDAY

Before Troy: an overview. In small groups, you will review the backstory to Zeus and Leda's relationship, Helen's beauty, Paris, Thetis & Zeus's relationship, and the story of the golden apple. You will also look at the Greek response to Helen being abducted or how she absconds from Menelaus. I'll have the annotation grade sheets along with a few more resources for the epic poem.
Read book 1 of the Iliad.

WEDNESDAY

Discussion of book one. What is the nature of Agamemnon's fight with Achilles, and what is Achilles's issue with Agamemnon's leadership?
Review your annotations of book one. Revise your Ramayana essay.

THURSDAY

Why must Agamemnon test the fidelity of his troops? Why is this an issue, and where do we see it in modern history/war? Finally, what purpose does "the catalog of ships" serve?
Read book 2.

FRIDAY

Documentary day. We will turn our attention to a documentary about the ancient Greeks and the foundation of the society that produced Homer’s Iliad (not the society described in Homer’s Iliad.
Read book 3. If you have not finished revising your Ramayana essay, do that and turn it in on Tuesday. That will help you with your final!