For the Teacher

Teacher Overview

This unit is designed for grades 9-12. The objective is to understand the structure and connection between epic poetry and historical artistic improvisation methods (in various art forms). Students use The Odyssey, as well as various Rap Battles and musical improvisation to explore how writers create a Hero's Journey through the acts of speaking and listening.

Often, epic poems can be difficult for high school students to connect to on a personal level, much less decipher the difficult level of text. By teaching the idea of epic poetry as an act of speaking and listening about a topic that is of significant cultural or heroic importance through improvisation students are much more inclined to work through the text itself to build an understanding of the oral and written tradition.

THIS UNIT SHOULD BE TAUGHT EITHER IN CONJUNCTION WITH OR RIGHT AFTER READING THE ODYSSEY.

Printables

You can download this PDF packet of all the printable documents in this unit. This may save you time when looking for handouts. Simply download the packet, select the printable handout you want students to use and make as many copies as necessary for your class.

DOWNLOAD THE FULL PACK OF PRINTABLES

Assessment

There are two assessments for this unit. One is the checklist found below. The other is a student feedback form found in the Let's Present It area.

DOWNLOAD THE ASSESSMENT

STANDARDS ASSESSED

CORE Standards Addressed

These are the standards that will be assessed at the end of the unit.

Reading and Speaking/Listening Standards

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful.

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.11-12.1c Propel conversations by posing and responding to questions that probe reasoning and evidence; ensure a hearing for a full range of positions on a topic or issue; clarify, verify, or challenge ideas and conclusions; and promote divergent and creative perspectives.

Music Standards

MU:Cr2.1.C.HSI a. Assemble and organize sounds or short musical ideas to create initial expressions of selected experiences, moods, images, or storylines.

MU:Cr2.1.E.HSIII a. Select and develop composed and improvised ideas into draft musical works organized for a variety of purposes and contexts.

ADDITIONAL STANDARDS ADDRESSED

Additional Standards Addressed

These are the standards which are also addressed in the unit, but which are not the focus for assessment of skills and process.

Speaking and Listening

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence, conveying a clear and distinct perspective, such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning, alternative or opposing perspectives are addressed, and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and a range of formal and informal tasks.

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