AFTER AN INITIAL ANALYSIS of Schiami's Damascus Nights, we will begin introducing Campbell's theory of the monomyth. We'll examine some definitions of myth, watch the entire part one of the Campbell-Moyers interview, and likewise examine your selected chapter of the novel through that lens. Finally, I will introduce the unit on the college essay, something every senior English class covers early in the year.

MONDAY

No school for Labor Day.
HW: Finish re-annotating a chapter from the summer reading. Remember to circle words, write your reader's question, and to keep notes on this theme: What does the narrator learn via his journey?

TUESDAY

Damascus Nights is the tale of Samir losing his ability to tell stories, and his friends attempt to return the gifts he has so long and freely given--the gift of storytelling. They endeavor to return to Samir his voice, his ability to tell stories, and ultimately his happiness.
Choose one of the storytellers from Rafik Schiami’s Damascus Nights. What does that narrator discover about himself through the journey he describes to Salim and friends?
Your response should be typed. Use direct evidence from the novel. You have 35 minutes to complete the assignment.
HW: Later this week, I will introduce the materials on writing a college essay. Tonight, you should identify ONE essay question for a potential college application essay. Ideally, this would be a practical one that you will need to write for an app, but it need not be.

WEDNESDAY

Discussion on mythology. What IS myth?
HW: Finish reading "Prologue: Defining Myth: An Introduction to the Special Issue on Storytelling and Myth" by John S. Gentile.

THURSDAY

Watching part one of the Campbell-Moyers video, "The Call to Adventure," in which we learn the three stages of the hero journey: departure, initiation, return.
HW: Finish watching the video tonight via this link.

FRIDAY

Reviewing the materials relating to college essays. Before class today, post your question as a comment to the "Your Question" blog entry.
HW: Read all the handouts distributed in class today. Next week, we will practice brainstorming ideas for your personal application responses.