Sophomore Shepard English 10H Summer Reading Assignment
Welcome to sophomore Shepard Academy and English 10H. I look forward to working with you as we explore a variety of rigorous, engaging world literature and continue to develop as readers, writers, speakers, thinkers, and leaders.
For your summer assignment, read the excerpt from Edith Hamilton’s Mythology posted on Google Classroom. Then, complete the reading activities described below (the files are posted on Google Classroom). Our study of mythology will continue during the first few weeks of the new school year.
Note: If, in the fall, you request a schedule change and drop this class, your score on this summer assignment transfers with you to your new class.
If you have questions, you can reach me at [email protected] throughout the summer months.
Enjoy your summer vacation and summer reading!
Mythology: Timeless Tales of Gods and Heroes by Edith Hamilton
A keystone of our culture is the body of myth and legend of the ancient Western world— stories of gods and heroes that have inspired human creativity since time immemorial. Hamilton's renowned classic brings this legacy to life anew, with impeccably accurate and accessible retellings of eternally spellbinding tales.
The excerpt is posted on Google Classroom.
Reading Activities
Part I. Introduction to Classical Mythology
Reading Guide posted on Google Classroom.
Part II. Olympic Council Chart
The Olympic Council, headed by Zeus, was the ruling body for the Greek gods, goddesses, and people of this time period. As you read about the members of this council in "The Twelve Olympians," on pages 4-8, create a chart (or download the document provided) with details about each god or goddess’ Latin (Roman) name, realm, and symbols. Please note that each Greek god or goddess also had a Latin name given to him/her by the Romans. Also, note that the realm is the domain that the god or goddess ruled over. Finally, note that each god or goddess had animals, flowers, etc. that were their favorite or that were sacred to them; these are among their symbols.
Olympic Council Chart posted on English 10H Google Classroom.
Example:
Greek Roman Realm Symbols
Zeus Jupiter, Jove king of the gods, god of aegis, eagle, oak,
sky, rain-god thunderbolt
Olympic Council Chart posted on English 10H Google Classroom.
Example:
Greek Roman Realm Symbols
Zeus Jupiter, Jove king of the gods, god of aegis, eagle, oak,
sky, rain-god thunderbolt
Part III. Mythology Today
Choose one of the following two tasks to complete for the final portion of this assignment. Your response may be handwritten or typed and printed.
Choice 1 - Mythology in the Modern World
Myths? They are fantastic stories about the long ago. They don’t belong in the twenty-first century. Right?
Wrong! Even though you may not be aware of it, myths still play a part in your daily life. Myths are a part of the names of the products we buy or the companies we shop at, the vocabulary we speak, the constellations we gaze at in the sky, the music we listen to, the movies we watch, and more.
Find five examples of products or companies whose names have a mythological connection. Give the name of the product or company and provide a picture of the product or the logo. In addition, explain how this is used today. Then state the mythological reference, i.e. make the intended connection. Finally, state the implied meaning of the product or company. You may create your own file or use the document posted on Google Classroom.
Myths? They are fantastic stories about the long ago. They don’t belong in the twenty-first century. Right?
Wrong! Even though you may not be aware of it, myths still play a part in your daily life. Myths are a part of the names of the products we buy or the companies we shop at, the vocabulary we speak, the constellations we gaze at in the sky, the music we listen to, the movies we watch, and more.
Find five examples of products or companies whose names have a mythological connection. Give the name of the product or company and provide a picture of the product or the logo. In addition, explain how this is used today. Then state the mythological reference, i.e. make the intended connection. Finally, state the implied meaning of the product or company. You may create your own file or use the document posted on Google Classroom.
Example:
Product – Dove soap – beauty bar
Today – This product is promoted as not only a bath soap, but a beauty bar.
Mythology Reference – The dove is a symbol for Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty.
Implied Meaning – Since Aphrodite is the goddess of beauty, Dove soap not only gets a person clean; it also makes them beautiful, like the goddess.
Product – Dove soap – beauty bar
Today – This product is promoted as not only a bath soap, but a beauty bar.
Mythology Reference – The dove is a symbol for Aphrodite, the goddess of beauty.
Implied Meaning – Since Aphrodite is the goddess of beauty, Dove soap not only gets a person clean; it also makes them beautiful, like the goddess.
Choice 2 - Mythology in Movies
Even movies integrate mythology creating an interesting, intricate story line for viewers still today.
Watch one of the movies listed below and carefully note the mythological references. Then make a list of fifteen of these references from mythology, the occurrence in the movie, and the significance. You may create your own chart or download the document posted on Google Classroom.
Movie Choices
Example
Mythological Reference Movie Occurrence Significance
Poseidon – god of the sea Percy finds out that he is a Percy has a special connection
demigod, the son of Poseidon with water and even gets special
powers from water.
Even movies integrate mythology creating an interesting, intricate story line for viewers still today.
Watch one of the movies listed below and carefully note the mythological references. Then make a list of fifteen of these references from mythology, the occurrence in the movie, and the significance. You may create your own chart or download the document posted on Google Classroom.
Movie Choices
- Jason and the Argonauts (1963 or 2000)
- The Clash of the Titans (1981 or 2010)
- Percy Jackson & The Olympians: The Lightning Thief (2010)
- Hercules (Disney 1997)
- Troy (2004)
- Immortals (2011)
- The Legend of Hercules (2014)
Example
Mythological Reference Movie Occurrence Significance
Poseidon – god of the sea Percy finds out that he is a Percy has a special connection
demigod, the son of Poseidon with water and even gets special
powers from water.