Feedback

At the bottom of every blog post, there is a place to leave comments.  This will become an important part of the class blogging experience. This comment place will be used to give each other feedback and to ensure each of you has read and interacted with each other’s blogs.  You are required to make a total of ten feedback posts.

Reasons for giving each other feedback:
1) To learn about the various gods.
2) To read each other’s writing.
3) To interact with each other strengthening the classroom community.
4) To make full use of the technology.
5) To make connections between different mythologies.

What should you include with feedback?
1) Point out something which you feel the blogger has done exceptionally well.
2) Point out in a constructive and positive way, an aspect which can be improved upon.
3) Ask each other questions.
4) Begin to make connections between the myths and deities.

Assignment # 1 - Attributes Part 1

1) In class, create your blog, choose your deity, and add your web address to the board.
2) Create links to your classmates’ blogs in your side bar, using the web-addresses found on the board.

3) Create your first blog post in first person. This should contain:

           a. A picture of your deity (this is the picture you will model your costume after).
           b. The name of your deity and any aliases.
           c. A physical description of your deity (facial features, build, attire, etc.).
           d. Family members of the deity (wife, husband, children, parents, etc.).
           e. Qualities, strengths, or powers associated with the deity.
           f. Weaknesses.

Assignment # 2 - Attributes Part 2

Continue the work you have started using first person; your second blog must contain the following information:

           g. Responsibilities.

           h. Animals, plants, or objects associated with the deity.

           i. Location from where the deity comes.

           j. The culture associated with the deity.

           k. Personality traits and flaws (temperament, look at actions).

           l. Friends and enemies.

           m. Distinguishing signs or symbols.

Assignment # 3 - Three Cultural References

In your third post, you will be expected to make a connection between your deity and three cultural references. These references may include pictures to famous works of art such as paintings or sculptures. If you find examples of these, include an image on your blog. A reference might also include pieces of music; links to the piece of music can be embedded in your blog.  You may also find a historical reference or landmark in his/her name.  Allusions to deities in works of literature, plays, or movies are also acceptable; include a sample of the passage or text which includes the reference.  Remember to use first person.

Why are we doing this?
The reason for this part of your blog is to understand why it is important to learn about myth. Cultural references to mythology surround us every day, from the names of the days of the week, to the names of the months, to examples which you will begin to explore through this assignment.

Assignment # 4 - Setting

Now that you have become a little familiar with your deity, find three different myths that involve your deity.  The more myths you read concerning your deity, the easier you will find moving forward with this blog will be. Once you have read three myths, choose one.  This assignment will be an exploration concerning the home of the deity or the place where the myth takes place. This post should only contain a vivid description containing the setting of your chosen myth. Use imagery concerning the five senses.  Remember to use first person.

Here is a quick recap:
1) Find and read three myths about your deity.
2) Choose a single myth for your blog post (the other myth will be retold during your presentation).
3) Describe the setting of that myth.

- What does the setting look like?
- What does the setting sound like?
- What does the setting smell like?
- What does the setting feel like?
- What does the setting taste like?

Remember to use this post, as an exploration of using adjectives to help construct a sense of place.

Why are we doing this?
Not only will this allow the writer/ reader to have a deeper sense of where the deity comes from, but it will also help you later when you begin to construct your personal narrative in post #9.

Assignment # 5 - Character Development

For our next assignment we will be working on character development. I would like you to describe any characters who are in your myth. Describe what they look like, their attitude, who they are. This may include other deities, animals, people, titans, etc. If you can find pictures of these characters include them in your post. Also remember to continue to leave comments on each other’s blogs.  Use first person when needed.

Assignment # 6 - Conflict

Within every story is a conflict. After all, it is conflict which is the driving force behind the plot. It is this conflict which propels a story and makes it interesting! Your job for the sixth post is to determine what the conflict is present within your myth. Discover and define what this conflict is. Write a post detailing this conflict.  Use first person.

Why are we doing this?
By understanding and defining the conflict, you will have a deeper understanding of your myth. This will make your retelling of the myth in blog post #9 much easier!

Assignment # 7 - Climax

Hopefully after constructing your last blog post, you have begun to realize that by focusing on conflict, we have opened the door to the wider conversation of plot. Plot is the story line behind the myth. The next aspect of plot I would like you to reflect on is the climax of the myth. Use this post to describe in detail what the climax of your myth is. By climax, I am referring to the point where conflict of the story meet its head.  Don’t forget to use first person.

Assignment # 8 - Resolution

For this post I would like you to focus on the resolution of your myth. By resolution, I mean how is the conflict in your myth finally resolved?  In other words, how does the story end? The resolution is where loose ends are finally brought together. Consider this to be the conclusion of your myth.  First person must be used.

Assignment # 9 - Your Myth Retold

This entire blog has been an exploration concerning a single mythological deity, and a single myth concerning this deity. You have examined this myth in great detail. Additionally, you have considered the setting of the myth, where the myth takes place. You have expounded upon the various characters which accompany your deity within your myth. You have looked at the overarching plot line of your myth by describing in detail the conflict, climax, and resolution regarding your myth. Now, you will take all these pieces and fuse them together into a spectacular piece of narrative writing. I would like you to rewrite your myth from a first person perspective. I would like you to make use of your previous blogs and piece them together into a fabulous piece of writing. This 9th post will be worth more points than your previous posts, so please spend time elaborating on the finer details of your myth. When you have finished this post, please take the time to read your classmates’ posts.

Assignment # 10 - What Have You Learned From Your Peers?

For your final post, I would like you to list each of your classmates and their deity, and list one item you learned from their presentation. Obviously, you will have to edit this post regularly as more students present their myths throughout the week.

To recap:

Post #10 should be a list of students with each of their corresponding deity and something that you learned from each presentation. Thank you for all of your hard work and effort, and I hope you have enjoyed this project.