The Odyssey by Homer - An Ancient Greek Book Club

Come join us in reading The Odyssey by Homer, an epic poem following the infamous hero, Odysseus, as he returns home from the Trojan War to his wife and son. Through this class, students will read about the tragic hero Odysseus who helps fight the Trojans in the Trojan War. Odysseus fails to return home to his wife and ends up spending several years captive to Calypso, a nymph. When Zeus orders her to release him, Odysseus begins his journey home as he encounters horrific monsters, vengeful gods, and a scorned wife and her jealous pursuers.

As we read the poem, we will have the opportunity to learn about Ancient Greece, epic poems, heroes, action and adventure, and more! We will discuss, debate, research, and learn about the Greek gods and goddesses, the monsters and heroes, the legends, and the mysteries! It is a class designed to create discussion surrounding reading comprehension and analysis but also to allow students to have the opportunity to share their own experiences with the Ancient Greeks through our conversations. Below is a schedule for the class. While all of the topics will be covered in class, the schedule might shift a little bit depending on the needs and interests of students as our class moves deeper into the story. If you have any questions, feel free to reach out!

Weekly Schedule:
Week One:
     - Introduction to the Poem and Author
     - The Iliad
     - How to Read the Poem
     - Elements of Epic Poetry and Epic Heros
     - Greek Gods and Goddesses Introduction
     - Socratic Seminar around the First Reading
Week Two:
     - Historical Conflict in Ancient Greece
     - Humans and Deities: How Each Plays a Role
          - Relationships and Conflicts
     - Socratic Seminar around the Reading
Week Three:
     - Traditions of Ancient Greece and Lifestyles
     - Gods and Goddesses Continued
     - Socratic Seminar around the Reading
Week Four:
     - Elements of the Anti-Hero
          - The Definition and Examples
          - Debate the Hero and the Anti-Hero
     - Mythological Creatures of Ancient Greece
     - Socratic Seminar around the Reading
Week Five:
     - Climax and Resolution to the Poem
     - Heroic Traits 
     - Traditional Roles in Greek Society
          - How Does It Play a Role in the Poem
     - Odysseus, Worthy of Praise?
     - Socratic Seminar around the Reading

*** Please note that this class will occassionally run with ten weeks (one class per week).