Summer SAVY, Session 4 Day 1, Greek Mythology (Waxman) (5th – 6th)
We had a wonderful first day in Greek Mythology: Myth to Modern Legend! Throughout this week, we will be focusing on course goals that revolve around the following questions:
- What makes something a myth?
- Why are myths so interesting and pervasive?
- How and why do myths change over time?
- How are myths interconnected with storytelling and perspective?
- How do myths reflect modern culture?
We started our exploration of these questions by brainstorming mythical allusions in modern culture. The students brainstormed excellent allusions, such as Nike shoes, Starbucks, and more. We also examined Bruegel’s Landscape with the Fall of Icarus to dive more deeply into Daedalus and Icarus and understand how myths shift based on perspective.
In the afternoon, we started to review the most famous Greek titans, gods, and goddesses, and we will continue that discussion in the morning before turning to the heroes of mythology. Finally, we finished the day by starting to work on our week-long projects of students creating myth-themed board games of their own!
Some key takeaways from today include: myth and storytelling are all about perspective, interpretation and perspective are essential in myths that prevail across time, and myths are “alive” and constantly shifting.
Some dinner table questions:
- What mythical allusions in modern culture did you find most surprising?
- Which myth are you most excited to learn about this week and why?
- What ideas do you have for your board game design?
Have a great evening!
Warmly,
Ms. Waxman