Percy Jackson and the Greater Mythological World

Daryan Borys

Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(405)

Here we will discuss Rick Riordan's Percy Jackson creations as well as delve into the sources of these stories.

Class Experience

US Grade 4 - 7

What topics will you cover?

Greek Mythology Fundamentals: We'll begin by building a foundation in key Olympian gods, heroes, and monsters, drawing connections to their appearances in "Percy Jackson."
Hero's Journey: We'll analyze the structure of the hero's journey (by studying Joseph Campbell) in both Percy's quest and classic myths like Odysseus's travels.
Intertextuality: We'll explore how Riordan reworks ancient myths for a modern audience, examining themes, characterization, and plot...

Professional Experience:

20+ years of experience teaching Greek Mythology and Ancient Greek Literature at the high school and university levels.
Developed and taught over 20 unique courses on Greek Mythology, catering to diverse learner interests and age groups.
Guest speaker and presenter at conferences and community events on topics related to Greek myths and their cultural impact.

Advanced Expertise:

Expertise in ancient Greek cultural context: I can interpret myths within their historical, religious, and philosophical framework.
Deep understanding of comparative mythology: I can identify connections between Greek myths and other world mythologies.
Proven ability to make complex topics accessible: I am skilled at translating ancient stories into engaging and age-appropriate lessons.

Passion and Dedication:

Beyond formal qualifications, I am driven by a genuine passion for Greek mythology. This passion fuels my ongoing research, keeps me current with the latest scholarship, and allows me to connect with students on a deeper level. My enthusiasm for these timeless stories is contagious, and I believe it is key to creating a vibrant and intellectually stimulating learning environment.

Meeting Your Expectations:

My extensive training, years of experience, and advanced expertise in Greek mythology and ancient Greek culture equip me to effectively teach this topic at a high level. I am confident that I can provide your class with an engaging and enriching learning experience, fostering a love for these ancient stories and their enduring relevance in the modern world.

Homework Offered
Assessments Offered
Grades Offered

Content Considerations:

While "Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief" is generally considered a middle-grade adventure novel, some elements may be of concern to certain young readers. Please be aware of the following:

Action Violence: The story features battles with mythical monsters and perilous situations. While not graphically depicted, these scenes can be intense and frightening for younger or sensitive children.

Ancient Sources: We will utilize excerpts from Homer's "Odyssey" and Plutarch's "Lives," which contain violence and mythological themes similar to those in "Percy Jackson." These may involve descriptions of war, death, and the darker aspects of Greek mythology.
Themes: The story explores themes of family, identity, loss, and forgiveness. Some of these themes may resonate differently with younger children and could generate questions or discussions requiring parental guidance.

Media Content:

Movie Adaptations: The class may reference or briefly show clips from the film adaptation of "Percy Jackson and the Lightning Thief," which is rated PG for action violence and peril.
Images and Videos: We may utilize various online resources like images and short video clips depicting Greek mythology. These will be carefully chosen and monitored to ensure age-appropriateness.
Safety Precautions:

Open Discussions: We encourage open discussion and critical thinking throughout the class. Parents are advised to be available to discuss any issues or concerns that may arise from the class content.

Reading Levels: It is recommended that students be comfortable reading at a Grade 5-6 level to fully engage with the primary source excerpts.

Third-Party Tools:

No third-party tools requiring accounts or personal information will be used in this class.  We will use a website called theoi.com to source relevant information.

Communication:

We believe in open communication with parents and encourage you to reach out if you have any questions or concerns about the class content or your child's participation.

Remember:

Each child has their own sensitivities and maturity level. While this information provides a general overview, we encourage you to discuss the content with your child and decide together if this class is a good fit for their individual needs.

We hope this addresses the parental guidance requirements and provides all the necessary information for an informed decision. We look forward to sharing the world of Greek mythology with your children!

Available times

Pacific

Table of available sections

Meet the teacher

Daryan Borys

Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(405)

I'm happy to share my passion for Greek Mythology, Shakespeare, Jules Verne, J.R.R. Tolkien, or explore and develop a student's interest in literature.  As an actor, I've had the pleasure of exploring and performing in traditional Greek Theater,...