Grade 7: THE HERO

Perception of a Classical Ideal: How people learn to value things about themselves, about each other, and about things greater than themselves; how what we believe defines us as people.

This integrated curriculum would attempt to:

1. Investigate the heroic experience in the Classical Civilizations of Greece and Rome and the Early Christian Church.
2. Develop the academic skills needed for analytical reading, language proficiency, a continued Writing Across the Curriculum program, and complete a background in Classics and Judeo-Christian tradition.
3. Prepare the student to relate their experience to the world of ideas, to articulate their goals and beliefs, and to appreciate the Classical foundations of Western civilization.

Curriculum and CTCWeb Links:

English

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Language

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Social Studies

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Mathematics

Science

Cross-Curricular Project Coordination

The following projects areas are being developed:

1. Seven Wonders of the Ancient World

Latin classes introduce the "Seven Wonders" as part of an Ancient Science & Technology unit. Social Studies teaches a unit on the Hellenistic World and the Science class uses the material as an introduction to the principles of physics underlying architecture and engineering. Latin and Science also assign joint projects for an Ancient & Modern Science Fair with displays comparing ancient and modern science and technology.

2. Mythology

A. Mythology plays - Students learn mythology in Latin class, then write and rehearse skits depicting contemporary versions of the myths in English class. Plays are performed for the entire Grade 7 during high school semester exam week.

B. National Mythology Examination - Students prepare selections from the Iliad and the Aeneid in English class and the mythology text in Latin class.

3. Contest of Heroes

Classic figures are studied along side the "heroes" of Mathematics and Science. Debates are arranged between various important figures of mathematics and science, with an emphasis on the conflict of ideas. Religious Education and all other departments provide class time and support for these debates.

4. Writing Across the Curriculum: Iliad & Aeneid

Stories from the Iliad and the Aeneid are used in English class as student investigate in journals and writing assignments their concept of a "hero." Included in this analysis are figures from contemporary film and fiction, including The Giver, by Lois Lowry, The Devil's Arithmetic, by Jane Yolen, and Nightjohn, by Gary Paulsen. Social Studies covers historical background, Latin classes cover cultural background of the Greek and Roman heroic ideal.