Photograph by Maria Daniels, ( Toledo Museum of Art)
http://www.perseus.tufts.edu/Hercules/cerberus.html

Essential Question:

What does it mean to be a good person?

Introduction:

So, does anyone know what it means to be a good person?  We hear about a lot of people who do not practice goodness.  Have you heard of a bully who was hitting all those kids or the person who was always calling people names or that student who got caught cheating on  exams?  What we don't hear about a lot are those examples of people who are truly good, the heroes.  So, I ask you, what does it mean to be a good person?

I propose that we hold a Greek-style symposium to develop an answer to this difficult question.   We will work together to share our different ideas and develop a reasonable answer to our question, "What does it mean to be a good person?"  As the host of our symposium, I will be the first to share my own opinions.  After that, you will be free to question my ideas through statements, arguments, or ideas of your own.  Remember, all participants of a symposium must be respectful to one another and really listen to each other's ideas.

I believe that the answer to our difficult question, "What does it mean to be a good person?"  lies hidden in ancient Greek myths.  This idea that we can learn from a culture that is so old may sound like a strange idea, but listen and I will explain my reasoning.  The ancient Greeks had a society where they were free to think for themselves, openly discuss their ideas, and express their opinions.  They thought deeply about many questions and dilemmas that they were facing.  The greatest of the thinkers were called philosophers, which means "Lovers of Knowledge."  You may be familiar with some of the ancient Greek philosophers; Socrates, Plato, and Aristotle.

The ideas of these philosophers were so respected that they influenced the thoughts and actions of many of the ancient Greeks.  The ancient Greeks took these ideas and blended them with fictional events to create stories that we call myths.  Myths are action packed stories of  heroes who must courageously overcome evil.  Many of these myths explain basic truths about life and nature including what it means to be a good person.

I suggest that we:

• Investigate the ancient Greeks to gain a better understanding of how they lived their lives.

• Explore the behavior of the heroes to entertain ourselves while we learn about ancient Greek ideas of what makes a good person.

• Discover the myth maker in you while you solidify your ideas on what traits make a good person.

• Inspire others to be good people while you share your myth with others.
  
  

What are your thoughts on studying the ancient Greeks to gain a better understanding of what it means to be a good person?

Stay on Task:

Task 1: Investigate the ancient Greeks. 
Task 2: Explore the behavior of ancient Greek heroes.
Task 3: Discover the Myth Maker in you.  
Task 4: Inspire others to be good people.

Missions:

Mission 1: Investigate the Ancient Greeks

The ancient Greeks looked up to the heroes of their myths as being the best people of their society. They admired their heroes' courage, strength, bravery, willingness to work with others, importance on friendship, generosity, and  humility.  Like today, the people of ancient Greece looked up to their heroes and tried to act like them.  Now, you can investigate how these beliefs affected the ancient Greeks' daily life.   I want to learn more about this!

 

 

Mission 2: Explore Characteristics  of the Ancient Greek Heroes

For thousands of years, the myths from ancient Greece have intrigued people.  Their stories  have enthralled us with tales of brave heroes, savage monsters, and powerful gods.  These myths blend fact and fiction that can help us to better understand the behaviors, customs, and way of life of the people of ancient Greece.  You, quite possibly, can learn how to be good or better person by reading these myths! I want to learn more about this!

 

Mission 3:  Discover the Myth Maker in You 

Your mission is to write your own original Greek myth using your "modern hero" as the main character. It will be your challenge to focus on the qualities of your modern hero that make him or her a good person while he/she embarks on the adventure of a lifetime, a mythical adventure where your hero faces angry gods, terrible monsters, and unbelievable odds!  The only question is, "Will your hero meet the challenge and overcome the great odds stacked against him or her?" I want to learn more about this!

 

 

Mission 4:  Inspire Others to be Good People

Plato and Aristotle, famous Greek philosophers, agreed that once you have learned something that you should share your knowledge with others.  You have learned some behaviors that make someone a good person.  Therefore, in the spirit of ancient Greece, you must share this information so that others can learn from you.

Authentic Assessment:

Use our rubric which will be posted soon.

Revisit the Question:

What does it mean to be a good person?

 

Spread the Word!

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Created: July 24, 2000
Last Updated: April 12, 2004