Classical Mythology at The Lukeion Project
The deeper I go into mythology, the more I find. I originally did five 'Percy Jackson' books. I thought that would cover Greek mythology and I couldn't have been more wrong. It's ever-expanding. --Rick Riordan
One would never ask a child to start working on algebra before he's mastered addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. That would be silly. The child may intuitively make sense of a few problems but most of the algebraic complexities would be lost on his unprepared mind. This isn't too different from asking a person to complete his education without any ideas about where he came from and what the many generations before him thought, fought, and feared. The complexities of human existence will be lost on him and he'll be stuck focused on the trivialities that have become so popular among others stranded in the same generational boat.
Classical literature is the foundation of Western civilization. It has inspired how we have thought and behaved for the past 2700 years. The current generation is among the first to forego the benefits of this essential topic, and the results? A mentally impoverished generation will soon become our future leaders, thinkers, and lawmakers. A study of Classical literature is not only a practical course but a requirement for any learner in need of a well-rounded education.
Thanks to a number of recent books and movies inspired by Classical mythology, we've witnessed a resurgence of interest in the original Classical myths. What's not to like? Myths range from heroic adventures and true romance to extreme reverses in fortune and tragedy, all with ghastly monsters and divine enchantment. These tales are not bed-time stories nor fairy tales for the very young. They explore questions of the human condition, they examine our potential, they expose our reactions to loss and war, and they place supreme value on hospitality, honor, virtue, and valor. Classical mythology has inspired art and literature for over 2700 years. No thinking person can visit capital cities of the western world, neither museum nor library without running headlong into Classical mythology. This makes a study of Classical literature not only a practical course but a requirement for any learner in need of a well-rounded education.
We now offer two mythology series. Master Mythologist is geared toward the younger learner. Advanced Classical Lit. is designed for student who want a deeper reading of the literature paired with an excellent and prestigious addition to the high school transcript.
Classical literature is the foundation of Western civilization. It has inspired how we have thought and behaved for the past 2700 years. The current generation is among the first to forego the benefits of this essential topic, and the results? A mentally impoverished generation will soon become our future leaders, thinkers, and lawmakers. A study of Classical literature is not only a practical course but a requirement for any learner in need of a well-rounded education.
Thanks to a number of recent books and movies inspired by Classical mythology, we've witnessed a resurgence of interest in the original Classical myths. What's not to like? Myths range from heroic adventures and true romance to extreme reverses in fortune and tragedy, all with ghastly monsters and divine enchantment. These tales are not bed-time stories nor fairy tales for the very young. They explore questions of the human condition, they examine our potential, they expose our reactions to loss and war, and they place supreme value on hospitality, honor, virtue, and valor. Classical mythology has inspired art and literature for over 2700 years. No thinking person can visit capital cities of the western world, neither museum nor library without running headlong into Classical mythology. This makes a study of Classical literature not only a practical course but a requirement for any learner in need of a well-rounded education.
We now offer two mythology series. Master Mythologist is geared toward the younger learner. Advanced Classical Lit. is designed for student who want a deeper reading of the literature paired with an excellent and prestigious addition to the high school transcript.
If I have to pick one story that most influenced 'The Hunger Games,' it would be the Greek myth of Theseus, which I read when I was about 8 years old. In punishment for past deeds, Athens periodically had to send seven youths and seven maidens to a labyrinth. In the maze was this Minotaur, and it would eat them.
--Suzanne Collins
Why study mythology at The Lukeion Project?
Children's literature and animated shows have led some to believe that Classical mythology is the fun and fluffy stuff of flying horses and funny monsters. On the contrary, the body of literature known as Classical mythology represents a collection of the most important epics, poetry, and Greek tragedies ever composed by ancient authors. The literature chosen for these courses is refined and rarified. We take to heart that many students may never get the academic opportunity to work with these pieces again so these should be considered the very most important pieces of Greek and Latin literature and the best foundation to earliest Classical lit. Their study is profoundly necessary to claim any foundation in Classical studies. This course is serious stuff presented beautifully.
Mythology is the study of the best Classical literature.
Mythological will bring to life the finest art and storytelling of Western civilization. We take our examination of these superb pieces of literature beyond plot and device. These are the greatest works of Classical literature set into their larger historical context as products of cultures which flourished for thousands of years. Expect a bit of archaeology, geography, geology, vocabulary, and much more. Each class is richly illustrated with a wide variety of art dating from the Mycenaean age (1200 BC) through our modern day.
Mythology is the study of the best Classical literature.
Mythological will bring to life the finest art and storytelling of Western civilization. We take our examination of these superb pieces of literature beyond plot and device. These are the greatest works of Classical literature set into their larger historical context as products of cultures which flourished for thousands of years. Expect a bit of archaeology, geography, geology, vocabulary, and much more. Each class is richly illustrated with a wide variety of art dating from the Mycenaean age (1200 BC) through our modern day.
Master Mythologist 1: Glorious Greeks
Master Mythologist 2: Remarkable Romans
The Master Mythologist series is designed for our younger students in middle school and early high school. Master Mythologist goes beyond the Olympians and introduces students to the full range of Classical mythology in creative and interactive ways. Students will learn mythological references that are likely to be encountered in literature and art, while also honing basic vocabulary, analytic, and writing skills that are foundational for more advanced coursework. Students should expect a weekly quiz and periodic creative and/or analytical writing assignments and projects. Though projects are "creative" or require a good bit of thought, all of them are designed so that students are introduced to all the essential skills used in academic writing like basic citation and research. An excellent companion course for this age group is Skillful Scribbler for students who need to build this skill.
Your student should expect to spend an hour in class engaged, taking notes, and taking part in discussions. Outside of class students can expect to read and answer questions in their textbook, take a weekly online quiz and do small, periodic writing assignments, such as letters or three-paragraph essays, 5 paragraph essays, short research topics, etc..
The Master Mythologist Series is geared toward 7-10 grade level
Is your student ready?
TEXT: Classical Mythology and More: A Reader’s Workbook, Marianthe Colakis and Mary Joan Masello. Bolchazy-Carducci (2007)
Semesters are not prerequisite! Students need not complete first semester to begin second semester.
Both semesters: Wed at 2:15 PM
Instructor: Dr. Fisher
Your student should expect to spend an hour in class engaged, taking notes, and taking part in discussions. Outside of class students can expect to read and answer questions in their textbook, take a weekly online quiz and do small, periodic writing assignments, such as letters or three-paragraph essays, 5 paragraph essays, short research topics, etc..
The Master Mythologist Series is geared toward 7-10 grade level
Is your student ready?
- Students should be comfortable reading 15-20 pages/week and looking up or puzzling through new or challenging words.
- Students must be comfortable writing paragraphs and should be open to learning basic writing forms including letters, job applications and the 3-paragraph essay.
- Students should be able to make associations between what is learned in class and in the course reading and synthesize knowledge from one week to the next to comprehend a general understanding of the mythology as a whole.
- Students must be able to stay engaged, on-topic and appropriate during weekly classes and need to be able to follow instructions for weekly assignments and class projects (with or without parental assistance.)
- Students should expect one hour/week in class and between 4-6 hours/week outside of class, depending upon their level of experience and ability.
TEXT: Classical Mythology and More: A Reader’s Workbook, Marianthe Colakis and Mary Joan Masello. Bolchazy-Carducci (2007)
Semesters are not prerequisite! Students need not complete first semester to begin second semester.
Both semesters: Wed at 2:15 PM
Instructor: Dr. Fisher
Advanced Classical Literature 1: Mythology
Advanced Classical Literature 2: Epic
Advanced Classical Literature is for those students who want to go beyond the basic “who”and “what” questions of Classical mythology and explore its deeper significance, both in the ancient world and beyond. Students will read primary sources including Homer, Hesiod, Virgil, and Ovid plus an assortment of Greek tragedies for an understanding of Classical references and themes, such as the hero, which are inherent to cultures worldwide. This course does a deep dive into life's biggest questions as the Greeks and Romans explored them in their best and brightest Classical mythology.
Students should expect advanced reading, class discussion, exams, and research projects. This course explores the themes and symbols of mythology as encountered in ancient literature. Advanced thinking, reading, and writing skills are a must. Expect discussion, exams, and research. 16 & older.
This course is ideal for our older students working at 10th - 12th grade level who need an English credit and would love to explore Classical literature in a meaningful way. Advanced Classical Lit. Epic is strongly recommended for any student considering AP Latin.
Semester 1 is not prerequisite for 2 though recommended.
Class meets at 3:30 PM Thursdays both semesters.
Instructor: Dr. Fisher
Students should expect advanced reading, class discussion, exams, and research projects. This course explores the themes and symbols of mythology as encountered in ancient literature. Advanced thinking, reading, and writing skills are a must. Expect discussion, exams, and research. 16 & older.
This course is ideal for our older students working at 10th - 12th grade level who need an English credit and would love to explore Classical literature in a meaningful way. Advanced Classical Lit. Epic is strongly recommended for any student considering AP Latin.
Semester 1 is not prerequisite for 2 though recommended.
Class meets at 3:30 PM Thursdays both semesters.
Instructor: Dr. Fisher