Mesopotamian Mythology & Gilgamesh

Essential Question:

How do belief systems in mythology reflect a particular culture or society, and how are they reflected and represented in a society’s literature and art? What are the common motifs present in various mythologies?

Portrait of a Graduate:

Critical Thinking: Evaluating the Epic of Gilgamesh for underlying themes and motifs.

Global Citizenship: Understanding the historical and cultural context of Mesopotamian civilization.

Communication: Effectively presenting analyses and reflections on the epic and its universal themes.

Inquiry Question:

What are the key themes and lessons of the Epic of Gilgamesh, and how do these reflect the cultural values of ancient Mesopotamia?

2. Inquiry Question:

How does the portrayal of gods and goddesses in Mesopotamian mythology compare to those in other mythologies studied in this course?

3. Inquiry Question:

How does Gilgamesh embody the qualities of an epic hero, and what does his journey tell us about the ideals and challenges of heroism in Mesopotamian culture?

Student Outcomes:

Students will analyze the Epic of Gilgamesh and other Mesopotamian myths to identify key themes, characters, and motifs.

2. Student Outcomes:

Students will compare and contrast the Mesopotamian pantheon with those of other civilizations covered in the course.

3. Student Outcomes:

Students will reflect on the qualities of an epic hero within the Epic of Gilgamesh and articulate the relevance of Gilgamesh's journey and the concept of heroism to contemporary life.

Skills Demonstrated:

Textual Analysis: Students will closely read and analyze the Epic of Gilgamesh, identifying themes, motifs, and cultural insights within the text. This skill is crucial for understanding complex literary works and their underlying messages.
Comparative Analysis: By comparing Mesopotamian mythology with those of other cultures studied in the course, students will develop the ability to identify similarities and differences across cultural narratives, enhancing their global awareness and critical thinking.
Reflection: Reflecting on the relevance of Gilgamesh's journey and the concept of heroism today fosters introspection and the ability to draw connections between historical texts and personal or contemporary issues.
Cultural Understanding: Exploring Mesopotamian mythology and its significance will broaden students' perspectives on ancient civilizations, fostering respect and appreciation for diverse cultures and their contributions to human history.

Standards:

CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.2: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.11-12.1: Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on-one, in groups, and teacher-led) with diverse partners on grades 11–12 topics, texts, and issues, building on others’ ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.11-12.1: Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.

Additional Skills:

Resources:

Magnus Chase: The Sword of Summer by Rick Riordan/

The Witch’s Heart by Genevieve Gornichec/

Ariadne by Jennifer Saint /

Athena’s Child by Hannah Lyn/

A Spartan’s Sorrow by Hannah Lynn /

Daughter of Sparta by Claire Andrews

[Our Hidden Google Drive Resource link]

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