Democracy: Promises and Pitfalls

In the year 507 B.C., the Athenian leader Cleisthenes introduced a system of political reforms that he called demokratia, or “rule by the people.” Although this Athenian democracy would survive for only two centuries, Cleisthenes’ invention was one of ancient Greece’s most enduring contributions to the modern world. In our elective we will study why and how ancient democracy arose. What are its strengths and limitations and how do governments adjust to these limitations?   As we examine ancient and modern versions of democracy, we will explore the idea of what it means to live in a democratic society, and to what extent  democracy really does embrace equality.   Student pairs will research 20th century versions of democracy throughout the world and present a creative digital project on the modern government of their choice.  For our final presentation, students will work collaboratively to produce an exciting simulation of Athenian democracy for the entire ninth grade.

 

Mythology

Myths are told and retold in a variety of ways, orally, on the page, on the stage, in sculpture and painting. In this elective, we will explore what it means to retell a myth. Thus, we will continue to consider the idea of kleos but in a more liberal and recreational manner. What is the legacy of a myth itself? We will read Euripides' Helen, a short play described by some as "downright whacky" for its retelling of the story of Helen. What if she never went to Troy with Paris?! It is a strange question. We will read Margaret Atwood's highly stylized The Penelopiad in which Penelope narrates her own story from a modern day underworld. Lastly, students will research the legacy of Herakles, Perseus, Theseus, Prometheus, and Pandora as well as a handful of very famous love stories (from Ovid) as they take on the roles of mythological figures for our "interactive exhibit" project.

 

Philosophy

What does it mean to live the "good" life?  Explore this eternal question in the philosophy elective by reading what the ancient Greeks had to say on the matter.  Debate the ideas presented by Aristotle, Plato, and more.  This course will also incorporate a film study of The Matrix and A Simple Plan as contemporary versions of the question.  Sit in on a philosophy class at John Carroll University, speak with a professor, and share your ideas with each other at Phoenix Coffee.  As with all electives, requirements include daily reading and writing.  The final assessment is a position paper and debate on your theory of the "good" life.

 

The Olympics

Considering the events, traditions, and personalities of the ancient Olympics, this elective will look at the Olympics then and now.  What has changed?  What remains the same?  Along with an essay comparing the ancient and modern games, students will be responsible for planning and executing a Grade 9 Olympic competition on the last day of school.

  

The Language of War

In this elective, students will take a careful look at how the history, histories, and literature of the Persian and Peloponnesian Wars can be connected to the modern problem of how we argue for and against conflicts, and how we grapple with the legacies of warfare in literature, art and memorial. The premise of the course is taken from Huxley's essay on words and behavior, in which he argues that when it comes to the language of war, "Finding the reality of war too unpleasant to contemplate, we create a verbal alternative to that reality, parallel with it, but in quality quite different from it. "  Working individually or in groups, students will create responses to share with the ninth grade-- responses from position pieces to film or fiction.  Students will also be responsible for formal writing on the classic sources we consider. 

 

Drama

Why are we captivated by the stories of the misfortune of others? In this elective, we'll read Oedipus the King by Sophocles and All My Sons by Arthur Miller in hopes of understanding why this dramatic art form is so compelling.  For our final project, you can choose to take on the role of playwright, actor, director or even mask designer as you work in teams to create your own 10-15 minute Greek-style  tragedy set in a contemporary context.  These tragedies will be presented to the 9th grade in a tragedy competition; the grade will get to vote on which tragedy best meets the standards of the ancient Greeks.   The final project also includes a written artist's statement about the choices you've made as a playwright, director, actor or designer in creating this piece.

 

Art and Architecture

Have you ever thought about the form and function of art and architecture?  In this elective, we will study the art and architecture of ancient Greece and determine what influence these forms have had upon our conceptions of beauty and American values.  While appreciating the aesthetic quality of the pieces themselves, we will draw meaning from the myths they employ to gain a deeper understanding of Greek cultural values.  You will create your own sculpture, investigate the formal properties of a Greek temple and its mythological program, and examine in person how Greek ideals have influenced American architecture.  Our days of academic pursuit in the classroom will be enhanced by time with the curator of Greek and Roman artifacts from the Cleveland Museum of Art, by walking Lakeview Cemetery comparing tombstones of the 20th century to those of the Greeks, and by spending a full-day field trip in Hudson, Ohio, studying specific homes in the town. Walking the town,    taking photos and researching primary sources in the Hudson Public Library archives about each house, you will leave having a deep knowledge about Greek Revival architecture. If you've always wondered about the legacy of Greek art and architecture on our region and you're excited by the prospect of documenting that legacy through a multi-media project, then join us!