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The Hunger Games and Ancient Rome

Learn about Roman Mythology, History, and Culture in the Hunger Games! Explore how the Roman Empire inspired author Suzanne Collins when writing her signature series (including the new book, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes).
Lauren James
Average rating:
4.9
Number of reviews:
(3,158)
Class

What's included

4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks
of teacher support
1 year access
to the content
Mastery Evaluation
1 hour per week. Students can post their answers to any "Expand Your Knowledge" challenge to receive feedback from the teacher.

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 12
This course explores the four books of the Hunger Games series (including the prequel, The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) and how the history, culture, and mythology of the Roman Empire inspired the fictional culture of Panem. Students will explore book and movie references from the series that drew inspiration from Roman practices, people, and beliefs. A large number of characters from the Hunger Games (especially in the  prequel) are named after Roman figures from history and mythology; over half of the course compares and contrasts these Roman figures to their counterparts in the Hunger Games series.

This is not a comprehensive overview of the Hunger Games series or Roman history; its focus is on the overlap between the Hunger Games and Ancient Rome. Learners should have at least read the first book and/or watched the first movie. Keep in mind that there will be spoilers from the other books/movies. 

This is a self-paced course; there is no live component. Instead, students study the content contained in four lessons, using videos, descriptions, comparisons, and links to expand their learning beyond the basic course content. All extension activities (such as external videos and links) are optional and at the discretion of the parent. Depending on the abilities of the student, the core course material should take 50-70 minutes per lesson to complete; exploring the extension activities (such as links and videos) can provide 1-4 additional hours of content each lesson, depending on the interest level of the learner.

Need a discount? Sure thing! All of my self-paced courses are "pay what you can afford." To get the discount you need, sign up for the course first, then message me with the discount you would like, and I will apply a partial refund.

Syllabus

4 Lessons
over 4 Weeks
Lesson 1:
Roman Culture vs. Panem
 We compare and contrast Panem to the Roman Empire. For instance, what are the similarities and differences between the Roman Gladiator Games and the Hunger Games? Where did the name "Panem" come from? What references to Roman culture do we find in the Hunger Games series. We'll also begin our exploration of Hunger Games characters named after Roman historical figures (names that start with A through Ca). 
Lesson 2:
Characters and History, Part 1
 We'll continue learning about Hunger Games characters named after Roman historical figures with the names that start with Ci through F. We'll explore the meaning and symbolism (or lack thereof) in using Roman names for Hunger Games characters. 
Lesson 3:
Characters and History, Part 2
 We'll continue learning about Hunger Games characters named after Roman historical figures with the names that start with G through Z. We'll also watch a few interviews with Suzanne Collins to explore other inspirations she used to create the Hunger Games (besides Ancient Rome). 
Lesson 4:
Characters and Mythology
 This week is devoted to the 12 Hunger Games characters who were named after (or inspired by) Roman mythology. We'll explore the similarities and differences between the mythical characters of Ancient Rome, and the fictional characters created by Suzanne Collins. 

Other Details

External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Sources
The Hunger Games book series (including the Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes) SPQR: A History of Ancient Rome by Mary Beard Ancient Rome: Infographics by Nicolas Guillerat and John Scheid 100 Greatest Military Leaders in History from Antiquity to the Early 19th Century by RD Villam https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/ancient-art-civilizations/roman https://www.khanacademy.org/humanities/whp-origins/era-4-regional/41-systems-collapse-betaa/a/read-the-fall-of-rome-beta https://www.britannica.com/topic/list-of-Roman-emperors-2043294 Roman Myths: Gods, Heroes, Villains and Legends of Ancient Rome by Martin J. Dougherty Roman Mythology: A Traveler's Guide from Troy to Tivoli by David Stuttard
Joined September, 2017
4.9
3158reviews
Profile
Teacher expertise and credentials
Bachelor's Degree in Education from Brigham Young University
I have taught mythology class on Outschool since 2017. I was a certified middle school teacher in science, English, and social studies from 2005 to 2021. I now specialize in educational outreach at the University of Arizona, including giving planetarium shows that feature the mythology and astronomy of cultures throughout the world.

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Self-Paced Course
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$12

weekly or $46 for all content
4 pre-recorded lessons
4 weeks of teacher support
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1 year of access to the content

Completed by 10 learners
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Ages: 10-18

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