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Last Updated:
October 24, 2008 1:07 PM
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| Hero's Journey: Mr. Ejzak |
Overview |
| Joseph Campbell identifies the hero's journey as an archetype that transcends time and place. We will use his text Hero with a Thousand Faces and apply the stages he outlines in it to hero myths old and new. Explore the world of Middle Earth as we join Bilbo Baggins in his quest to defeat Smaug in The Hobbit . Tutor under Merlyn with young Arthur in T.H.White's The Once and Future King . Venture into the frigid arctic with young Lyra in Phillip Pullman's The Golden Compass (a.k.a. Northern Lights ). Accept the call and embark on the journey! Evaluations will include three papers, class participation, and a final exam. |
Syllabus |
Texts: Requirements: Test 10/20 Course Expectations I expect you to engage in literature and writing that could inspire you to think in ways that perhaps you hadn't before. The specific areas I describe later will help stretch your mind to think more reflectively and analytically. Of course I cannot prescribe passion, yet in many ways I believe that passion stirs us to our best work. Reading Read actively. Read with a pen. As you're reading, consider how the text develops plot, character, and theme. Make notes in the margin to capture your reactions to particular moments. We will have daily reading assignments; complete the daily reading assignments to avoid the crunch of reading a lot of challenging material all at once. Arrive to class with the text so we can refer to specific passages and hear them read aloud. Writing We will develop our voice in writing through several exercises throughout the term. Pursue the full process of writing: brainstorming, drafting, peer critiquing, and revising. In order to take advantage of that process, all writing assignments should be completed on time. Late assignments will be penalized one third of a grade per day. Speaking and Listening “The classroom is the drama with speaking parts for everyone.” Express your thoughts and feelings on our texts; the writers we explore did not produce their material because someone told them they had to—they produced these works because they felt something powerfully that moved them to write about it. Listen with care and respect to the seemingly outlandish perspective, whether it comes from one of the writers or one of your classmates. Class participation will be a part of your grade. |
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Teacher: Mr. Paul Ejzak
Contact: (412) 968-3051
pejzak@shadysideacademy.org
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