Unit 1: Storytelling and film—are films the new
vehicle for “mythology”?
In this unit, students will come to an understanding of mythology and the
role it plays in society.
·
From Wikipedia: “Myth is a folklore genre consisting of
narratives or stories that play a fundamental role in a society, such as
foundational tales or origin myths. The main characters in myths are
usually gods, demigods or supernatural humans.”
· “Not all mythology dates from the
days of ancient cultures. People around the world continue to create new myths
and to embroider or rework existing ones. Modern technologies such as publishing,
movies, telecommunications, and the Internet allow folktales, rumors, and newly
minted myths to travel faster and reach more people than ever before. One
distinctive feature of some modern legends is that they originated as artistic
creations, although their creators may have drawn on earlier themes……Like all
myths and legends, modern mythology springs from a sense of life's wonder,
excitement, mystery, and terror. Modern legends offer images of the best and
worst aspects of the human condition. They suggest that good behavior will be
rewarded and evil, greedy, or foolish behavior punished. Some modern legends
reflect people's fear of rapid social change or of science and technology;
others appeal to their desire to find meaningful patterns beneath the confusing
chaos of ordinary life.”
Primary readings and viewings
Primary writing:
Argument essay -- Is myth alive and well in the 21st
century?
Unit 2:
Psychology and the Star Wars
Universe
In this unit, students will investigate elements of the DSM5 regarding
narcissism and antisocial personality disorder.
They will then use this information to analyze characters from the
second canon (episodes 1-3).
Primary
readings and viewings
From the Mayo Clinic:
On Narcissistic
Personality Disorder, On Antisocial
Personality Disorder
TED ed: "The Psychology of Narcissism"
TED ed: "The Psychology of Narcissism"
Primary writing:
Notes from the TED-Ed and TED videos
Unit 3: The Second Canon—Episodes 1-3
Students will be asked to identify aspects of the DSM5 in characters of
note. This information will be useful when
analyzing characters in the first and contemporary canons.
Primary
viewing
· The Phantom Menace
· Attach of the Clones
· Revenge of the Sith
Primary writing
Character film notes
Character diagnosis sheets
Character diagnosis sheets
Unit 4: Joseph Campbell and the Hero’s Journey
In this unit, students will be introduced to Joseph Campbell, a
well-renowned mythologist. Students will
use the information in this unit as a template for their study of the first canon.
Primary readings and viewings
The Power of
Myth, Part 1 (A PBS documentary)
Rogue One
Primary writing: Notes from documentary; Hero chart for Rogue One
Unit 5: The First Canon: Episodes 4-6
Students will use information from previous units when analyzing episodes 4-6. Who is the hero of this canon? The villain? Or is it more complicated than that…?
Primary reading and viewing
· A New Hope
· The Empire Strikes Back
· Return of the Jedi
Primary writing:
Primary writing:
Hero chart for Luke Skywalker (for EACH for episodes 4, 5, and 6)
ARC chart for Anakin Skywalker (episodes 4-6 as one story)
ARC chart for Anakin Skywalker (episodes 4-6 as one story)
Unit 6: The Contemporary Canon: Episodes 7-9
In this unit, students will use information from previous units to
examine the characters of Kylo Ren and Rey. What
metaphor(s) are the new writers and directors of the franchise bringing to
their audience?
Primary reading and viewing
· The
Force Awakens
· The
Last Jedi
Primary
writing:
Character analysis charts (Kylo Ren and Rey)
Argument paper
Argument paper
The final exam… TBA
Please note
that the final exam is mandatory. It will count as 1/5 of your final
grade. Failure to complete the final exam or plagiarism on the
final may result in course failure.
Important
definitions/concepts
The DSM 5: https://www.psychiatry.org/psychiatrists/practice/dsm
Course Policies and Expectations
Please
initial after you’ve read:
Attendance
Lates, cuts, and absences will be dealt with in
accordance with Niskayuna High School’s policies.
If you are 20 MINUTES (OR MORE) LATE for a
class, whatever the reason, it is considered a class absence.
If you CUT a class, the appropriate
paperwork will be sent to your assistant principal. You should receive 3
after school detentions from your administrator. In addition, YOU
WILL RECEIVE A ZERO (0) for any work that took place during the block or that
was due that block.
PLEASE NOTE: if you cut class for a section
of your final exam, the same penalties will apply.
Calculating
your final course grades
Your final course grade will be calculated
numerically. Because this is a semester course, the marking period grades
are doubled and the final exam will count once: 2+2+1=5/5= final course grade.
Late work due to absences
If you have an excused absence,
you have as many days as you were out to make up the work for that absence. I will not remind you to make up your work.
THIS IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY. If your work is not completed in the
allotted time, a 0 will be recorded for that assignment. If you cut a class, a 0 will be recorded for
that assignment and that assignment cannot be made up.
Cell phone use
Cell phones are not to be used in the classroom for personal
use. If you are using a cell phone for personal use during class, I
reserve the right to take the phone AND assign a 0 for the activity that day.
Tests and quizzes must be made up within one week
of the absence.
A grace period of three days is provided for FINAL DRAFTS of
most essay assignments with a deduction of one letter grade per day.
Major papers, such as research papers, will not be accepted after their
final due dates unless a verified written excuse is provided. The late
paper will be still be downgraded, however, at my discretion.
I do not accept late homework.
Academic integrity
The academic integrity policy is located in Niskayuna High
School’s Code of Conduct booklet. Please read it with your parents, and
come in with any questions you might have. I may refer you to this
section from time to time. I take ALL instances of academic integrity
seriously and will deal with them in concert with the administration. This
includes copying homework: UNLESS OTHERWISE STIPULATED, HOMEWORK (including
any worksheets) IS AN INDIVIDUAL ACTIVITY. Each party involved in copying
homework is culpable and will meet with their administrator.
If you have any academic integrity issues with
your final exam, you will receive a 0 for the exam and will be reported
immediately to the building principal.
Extra
help
If you do not speak to me about a problem, I will not know
you have it and, consequently, will not be able to help you. Let me know
ahead of time that you plan to stop in for help.
Classroom behavior
Think before you speak, listen to what classmates have to
say, help others when the occasion calls for it, act honestly. Success in
life is determined by more than a transcript. Successful people are
capable of building meaningful relationships with other people.
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