Discussion Directions

Discussion Directions:

1. Everyone is responsible for making at least TWO posts for each assignment. One post MUST be a direct response to a question. The second post can be a direct response to a question OR a response to a peer's comment from a different question.

2. Responses must be thoughtful. While they don't necessarily have to be "right," you must show that you are reading and processing The Odyssey, working with it, making the information yours, and really thinking.

3. If you are responding to a peer's comment, keep it respectful. You are allowed to agree or disagree, but the the comment must be academic.

4. Some sentence starters for responding to peers:

a. ____, I agree when you say "___". Additionally, ___.

b. ____, it's interesting that you point out ___. I would though because ___.

c. ___ and ___ bring up great points because ____.

d. ___, I agree when you say ____. However, I disagree that ____ because ___. 

5. If someone comments on your post, you can reply back, but this will not count as a second response. Also, while it could be appropriate to bring in new evidence to justify your answer, please refrain from bickering or being worried about not being right. You're learning.

6. Every comment, whether a question response or a peer response, must be thorough and thoughtful to receive full credit. "I agree with Bob" is neither thorough nor thoughtful. You're adding no value to the conversation. Remember, these discussions are replacing your question sheets. Move discussions forward.

7. Even though you are only working with two questions directly, I do fully expect that you will be thinking about all of the questions. Moreover, you will be responsible for knowing all of the information related to these questions as well as the reading.

Though there is no sentence limit, your responses must be thorough and show that you are thinking and processing the information of The Odyssey.

Also, the minimum is two responses. You may respond to as many as you like as long as you are not dominating conversation. There's no extra credit for more responses, but isn't the learning process reward enough?

Each response will be worth 2.5 points for a total of 5 points/book. Full credit is not guaranteed.

Choe's Favorite Lines of Book 5

1.      "Hermes the guide, the mighty giant-killer, stood there, spellbound … But once he’d had his fill of marveling at it all, he briskly entered the deep vaulted cavern” (5.84-87). 

Hermes is a creeper … Just sayin’.

2.      Odysseus wept “since the nymph no longer pleased. In the nights, true, he’d sleep with her … he had no choice …” (5.170-171). Just sayin’.



Do you have any favorite lines? What are they and why do you think they're amazing? (You actually have to do analysis for this post, unlike Choe)

5.4

Analyze 5.131-160. Why would gods be against goddesses mating with mortals? How is this a double-standard? What does this passage say about the role of women, even goddesses? Use the words of the quotation to back up your response!

5.3

“As one god to another, you ask me why I’ve come” (108).

“It was Zeus who made me come, no choice of mine” (111).

The whole exchange in lines 121-128

Explain ONE of the contradictions in this exchange between Hermes and Calypso (there are a few contradictions. Choose the one you feel most strongly about). They contradict each other and other directives the gods have made so far. Use the words of the quotations to explain the contradiction and significance.

5.2

a. Zeus sends Odysseus to Scheria, the land of Phaeacians on a raft. Why is Zeus doing this? 

b. (5.33-48) Considering the power of Zeus to send Odysseus to Scheria, why do you think Zeus does not send Odysseus straight to Ithaca? (Hint: Try to relate your answer to what Odysseys needs to gain from Scheria).

You must answer BOTH parts of this question.
a. blahblah

b. blahblah