HAVING RE-ANNOTATED A CHAPTER of Schiami's Damascus Nights, we will begin examining your character’s experiences through the lens of the monomyth. We'll continue examining some definitions of myth: What is a myth? What role does (or should) mythology play in our lives? Next week, I will introduce the unit on the college essay, something every senior English class covers early in the year. We will also begin reading The Alchemist by Paul Coelho…pick up your copy this week!

MONDAY

Starting by collecting the summer reading. I will ask students to binder clip the chapter that’s been re-annotated. Then, an introduction to the college application/personal statement essay. What the essay is, what the essay is not. I’ll also have a some survey questions to ask the class as a whole.
HW: Read through this handout on college essays: A college guide;

TUESDAY

Returning to the Leeming and Gentile essays on definition of myth. How do these add to our understanding of mythology? We will practice our large group method of discussion.
HW: Post your college essay question to the class blog. Remember to remove any references to the school in particular.

WEDNESDAY

After collecting Damascus Nights, I will review the academic integrity policy. Then, we will turn our attention to an overview of the hero journey. Finally, we will read through the postings on college essay questions.
HW: Tonight and tomorrow night, watch and take notes on the Joseph Campbell video, “The Power of Myth.” I will collect notes in class on Friday. These should focus on the hero journey: what does Campbell say about the hero journey? That’s it. Handwritten or typed. Your notes should reflect some organizational discretion in respect to the material. In other words, ORGANIZE your notes as you best see fit.

THURSDAY

Discussion of the college essay questions.
HW: Finish watching the documentary on Campbell.

FRIDAY

Today, we will study what’s happened in Damascus over the past 20 years, and how this historically significant setting of our summer reading novel has been destroyed.
HW: Begin brainstorming using the methods listed in the student college essay handout. Likewise, you should analyze your chosen summer reading chapter for the hero journey stages. Which stages are represented? How so? Due Monday.