Mythology & Folklore

Story: Scylla and Charybdis Source: Homer's Odyssey , translated into English by Tony Kline (2004) Scylla and Charybdis, Source EuroScientist Plot Summary: Leaving the house of Circe, Odysseus goes to the underworld where he meets the ghost Teiresias which tell him a prophecy. While on the underworld, Odysseus meets many famous ghosts. With Teiresias words in mind, Odysseus leaves the underworld and set off on his path home. He then encounters sirens that try to lure him. However, in preparation, he put beeswax to his ears and tied himself to the mast. He is able to pass by the sirens. No sooner he left the siren's isle, he encountered two treacherous beasts, the Scylla and Charybdis. Forgetting Circe's command to not arm himself, he ran out to see the beast. Rock-bound Scylla was bringing disaster to his comrades, and on the other side, the divine Charybdis sucked-in the sea. The Scylla picked up six of his men and devoured them at the entrance of h...

Story: The Land of the Cyclopes Source: The readings for this unit come from Homer's Odyssey , as translated into English by Tony Kline. The Cyclops Polyphemus, by Tischbein Main Characters: Odysseus, Polyphemus the Cyclops Plot Summary: Odysseus and his men came to the land of Cyclops, a wild and extremely fertile land. They Cyclops live in caves, they have no council meeting and no law. Odysseus decided to go check out the character of the inhabitants, and along with some of his men, he went into the cave of a cyclops. When they were discovered, he pleaded for the hospitality and kindness due to strangers in the name of Zeus. However, the Cyclops could not care less about the gods and said he would not spare him or his friends. Polyphemus the Cyclops then proceeded to start eating his man, two-by-two, as Odysseus was plotting his escape. He offered the Cyclops some of the Sweet Wine he had, and the Cyclops really liked it but was not that grateful...

Dragon, Source: Pixabay Dragons : Ever since I was little, I've always had a fascination with dragons. I believe it all started when I read the Hobbit. Nowadays dragons stories are mainstream, but even then, I come to realize that I actually don't know many good dragon stories. In this project, I would like to learn more about dragons and retell some of the stories in a more modern perspective. The book Dragons and Dragon Lore seemed like an interesting start.  Arabian Nights : This is one of the topics that seems vaguely familiar, but I actually don't know much about it. Other than Aladdin and the Wonderful Lamp , I don't know any of the other stories. The stories seem really interesting, and I would like to learn more about them. For the project, I thought it would be fun retelling Aladdin story from the Genie's perspective, and also elaborate on the backstory on why an entity with such power, could be so imprisoned.  Creation Stories: I ha...

Source: Rabbit in the Moon . The Hare in the Moon And it came to pass the Buddha was born a Hare and lived in the woods. With him lived many friends, and he taught those friends–animals and humans alike–many wise things: that the moral law should be observed–that alms should be given to the poor–and that holy days should be kept. One day the Buddha said: "Tomorrow is a fast day. Feed any beggars that come to you by giving from your own store of food." They all consented. An old friend and Cheesemaker came to Buddha. "I have nothing to give, oh wise Hare. For I have nothing to myself. My goats and cattle ran out of good grass in my fenced fields, and I cannot let them out because a Tiger has been taking them. My animals are starving, and I cannot make any cheese."  The Hare, thinking in contemplation on the Kusha Grass said "bring them here. I shall feed them my own grass and protect them." To which the Cheesemaker replied, "oh great Har...

Story - Indian Fairy Tales: The Tiger, The Brahman, and the Jackal Source: Indian Fairy Tales by Joseph Jacobs with illustrations by John D. Batten (1912). Main Characters: Tiger, Brahman, and Jackal Plot Summary: A poor Brahman encountered a tiger caught in a trap. The tiger pleads to Brahman to free him, he promises much even to serve him as a slave. Once released, the tiger turns on his promise and promptly tells the Brahman he will be devoured. After pleading, he was able to convince the tiger to abide by the decision of the first three things he chose to question about the whole situation. He asks a tree, which pretty much tells him life is hard and has no sympathy for him. He asks a buffalo which tells him that people are ungrateful and just makes the Brahman sad. He asks a road which pretty much told him "well, what the heck did you expect? It's a tiger." On the way back he encountered a jackal, he told him the story, but the jackal was confused....

Choose from CLASSICAL and/or BIBLICAL units for Weeks 3 and 4. Week 3: Homer's Odyssey Week 4: Ovid's Metamorphoses Choose from MIDDLE EASTERN and/or INDIAN units for Weeks 5 and 6. Week 5: Ancient Egypt Week 6: Arabian Nights Choose from ASIAN and/or AFRICAN units for Weeks 7 and 9. [Week 8 is review week.] Week 7: Japanese Mythology Week 9: Chinese Fairy Tales Choose from NATIVE AMERICAN units for Weeks 10 and 11. Week 10: Pacific Northwest Week 11: Apache Choose from BRITISH and/or CELTIC units for Weeks 12 and 13. Week 12: English Tales Week 13: Celtic Tales Choose from EUROPEAN units for Weeks 14 and 15. Week 14: Russian Folktales Week 15: Dante's Inferno I really like the stories that were in the UnTexbook , it is a really great compilation of stuff. I am a big fan of classical mythology, especially Greek and Norse mythology. I tried to pick stories that I am not familiar with in that section. There were lots of sections where it was hard for ...

Mindset, CC0 Source: Pixbay This is my first time hearing about Carol Dweck and the growth mindset. Her ideas resonated with my own views on learning and achieving success in education. I also enjoy learning about the motivation tactics that she employs. I see myself as more on the growth mindset when it comes to my school and work. I like to tackle new challenges and learn new complicated things, or at least I try to. Since starting at OU, I have learned a lot about my learning habits. Throughout my education, I always felt that learning has always come easy for me and I did not have to put much effort. It all changed here at OU, I felt that this was one of the few places where some of my classes really challenged me, and at the beginning, it was really hard to get back on the growth mindset. I am interested in learning about the growth mindset this semester. One of the classes that I am excited about this semester is cybersecurity, and although it is not part of t...

Hourglass, CC0 Source: Pexels I understand how important time management is to have a successful life, ironically, it is one of the things I struggle with the most. I tend to be a chronic procrastinator, but I am working to improve myself. I found the time management tips very helpful, especially the one about working ahead. The first article I read was " The Important Habit of Just Starting " by Jori Mackay. Among many things, the article talks about building the habit of just starting things. I don't remember where I read it from, but this reminded me of the 5-second rule. Basically, every time you need to get something done, instead of just sitting there contemplating how you will do it; take a big breath, count until 5, then just jump into it. Even if you are not sure how to do it, you will figure it out and find the motivation as you are doing it, the hardest part is just getting started. The second article was " The Myth of  'Too Busy' " by...

Computer, CC0 Source: Pexels Being an online course, I expected to heavily rely on technology to complete our coursework. I really like the philosophy of exposing us to different types of technology that will be useful after we take the class. I have always been excited about new technology. I took a couple of classes last semester about Info & Communication Technology, and Web Design. I learned a lot in those classes, and I am already familiar with website publishing, image editing, graphics creation, etc. The only new part for me is Blogging. The blogging part is very easy and fun, I hope to develop my blogging skills and learn more about it.

Books, CC0 Source: Pixabay I want to start off by saying that this class is unlike anything I have taken before, not since college, but since I remember. The way you get to pick your own schedule, grade your own assignments, work on your own project, develop your own unique blog, all contribute to showing, developing, and exploring your own interests. I like the way in which the assignments are structured, and I also like the fact that you can work ahead. The extra credit assignments sound really interesting and fun, the ones that caught my attention were Tech Tips, Wikipedia Trails, Growth Mindset, and HEART. I am looking forward to completing the assignments and to a great semester!

Hello! My name is Kevin Monreal, I am currently a senior at OU, finally. One of the coolest things about my major, Information Studies, is the flexibility that it gives you to pursue your own path and interests. I want to use my degree to work in the IT industry, I already work part-time for OU IT where I'm obtaining valuable experience. In the future, I am hoping to focus more on the realm of cybersecurity. Last semester was a great semester for me, my two favorite classes were data mining and website design; I know they sound really boring for some people but I found them interesting, and I learned a lot. Last semester, apart from passing all my classes, a significant accomplishment was getting a 4.0 for the semester, finally bringing my GPA out of life support. I have lots of hobbies. I like to read, the most recent books that I read were "Beyond Good and Evil" by Friedrich Nietzsche, "The Alchemist" by Paulo Cohelo, and "Norse Mythology" by Neil ...

Ghosts, Source: Pexels Ghosts Stories was one of my favorite storybooks. I found the introduction to be spectacular, it grabs your attention by telling you a backstory about the haunted house, then you learn that the story is personal. Being a big fan of ghosts stories, the introduction definitely grabbed my attention and made me want to read more. I liked the format in which the story was told and how the design of the page adhered to the format, separating in different pages the stories of the families that lived there. The way in which the story was written and personalized was amazing. I think that when we make the stories our own and re-tell them, they can be much more powerful. I really enjoyed this storybook. Dragon, Source: Pixabay Dragon's Guide to The Elements  really caught my attention because I always liked dragons and being an "Avatar the Last Air Bender" fan, I am also interested in the portrayal of the elements in a story. The introduction ...

Destin Florida, Source: Flickr Destin is one of the most beautiful beaches I've been to. The water is turquoise blue, and the sand is a deep white and super soft. As you look farther into the ocean, the blue deepens and blends with the sky, creating a beautiful landscape. Every other year I visit there with my family and every time I go I am blown away of just how beautiful it is. I also like the fact that the beaches are not as crowded as nearby Panama City. I plan to take a trip there after I graduate!