Beowulf: Hero of Heroes
Class experience
US Grade 7 - 10
"Beowulf" is the oldest surviving English epic poem, written in the 7th or 8th century, depicting the heroic journey of Scandinavian hero Beowulf to free Denmark by battling the ogre Grendel, becoming the king of Geatland, and eventually taking on a fire-breathing dragon. The manuscript is housed in the British Museum. Written in Old English with available translations online, the identity of the poet remains unknown. As the personification of the Anglo-Saxon warrior hero, "Beowulf" holds...
Learning Goals: —Employ reading skills and strategies to construct meaning from text —Describe the thoughts, opinions, and questions that arise as they read, view, or listen to a text —Evaluate explicit and implicit information to demonstrate awareness of the author’s style —Extend meaning by analyzing elements of mythology, enduring stories, and the hero's journey —Defend their interpretations of literature by producing in-depth, validated responses both verbal and written —Understand and appreciate that literature represents, recreates, shapes, and explores human thoughts and experiences
As a passionate mythology fan and experienced teacher, I find great excitement in facilitating group discussions about the captivating story and characters of "Beowulf." This epic tale stands out for its remarkable structure, compelling plot, intense conflicts faced by the protagonist, and the rich characterization of the warrior hero. Students with an interest in mythology and the concept of heroes will have a unique opportunity to delve into a hero's journey that has left an enduring influence on Western storytelling.
Homework Offered
o Week/Session 1: Home Assignment --Read the following chapters. Total pages to read: 14. --Chapter 1: "A Ship Without a Sail" | pp 07 – 09 --Chapter 2: "A Hall Full of Blood" | pp 10 – 14 --Chapter 3: "Ten Against Grendel" | pp 15 – 21 o Week/Session 2: Home Assignment --Read the following chapters. Total pages to read: 28. --Chapter 4: "Beowulf" | pp 22 – 27 --Chapter 5: "Sea Monsters" | pp 28 – 36 --Chapter 6: "Beowulf Against Grendel" | pp 37 – 41 --Chapter 7: "Celebrations" | pp 43 – 50 o Week/Session 3: Home Assignment --Read the following chapters. Total pages to read: 18. --Chapter 8: "Revenge" | pp 51 – 57 --Chapter 9: "Into the Fen" | pp 58 – 60 --Chapter 10: "Beowulf Against Grendel’s Mother" | pp 61 – 65 --Chapter 11: "Grendel’s Head" | pp 66 – 69 o Week/Session 4: Home Assignment --Read the following chapters. Total pages to read: 18. --Chapter 12: "Beowulf Goes Home" | pp 70 – 73 --Chapter 13: "King Beowulf" | pp 74 – 79 --Chapter 14: "The Firedrake | pp 80 – 83 --Chapter 15: "Beowulf Against the Firedrake | pp 84 – 88 o Week/Session 5: Home Assignment --Read the following chapters. Total pages to read: 5. --Chapter 16: "Bees" | pp 89 – 942 - 4 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
--Learner progress will be assessed formatively through o the completion of reading assignments and postings o coming to class prepared with summaries, questions, and any other noted observations/connections o answers to guided reading questions o completion of in-class activities o engagementGrades Offered
o Students may purchase the Kindle ($4.99) or mass paperback ($5.99) version of the novelization by Robert Nye via Amazon. Please note, prices may vary from what is listed here. o A PDF version will be provided for students who do not wish to purchase their own Kindle or paperback copy. o Students are encouraged to have a designated journal or notebook. o Students will also need to have access to Google Docs. To do this, students will need to have a Gmail account for assignment collaboration.
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
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Group Class
$20
weekly or $120 for 6 classes1x per week, 6 weeks
70 min
Completed by 5 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-17
2-5 learners per class