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Learning Objectives 

Students will: 

• Construct an analysis of basic perceptions of diverse aspects of Western thought and culture
• Reflect on the processes through which the philosophical outlook and cultural values and patterns of Ancient Greece have been infused and sustained as a strong influence on Western thought and culture through the ages
• Trace a range of sources to assemble knowledge and document specific evidence of the expansive and deep influence of Ancient Greece on the shaping of diverse areas of Western thought and culture, particularly in America
• Identify ways Ancient Greek influence resonates in the attitudes, values, and outlooks defined in the perceptions of ideals articulated in Assignment 1 such as a good citizen, a good leader, patriotism and class structure
• Compose in writing an assessment of the impact of Ancient Greek influence on personal attitudes, values, and outlooks

Standards Alignment

National Core Arts StandardsNational Core Arts Standards

Common Core State StandardsCommon Core State Standards

Recommended Student Materials

Editable Documents: Before sharing these resources with students, you must first save them to your Google account by opening them, and selecting “Make a copy” from the File menu. Check out Sharing Tips or Instructional Benefits when implementing Google Docs and Google Slides with students.

Websites

• Creative Monologue with Khaleshia Thorpe-Price
• Shape Collage with Sarah Zeffiro

Teacher Background

Teachers should review the student choices for the art project prior to introducing them to the class. Familiarize yourself with Ancient Greek ethos, art, and culture. This is the first lesson designed to accompany the Ancient Greek Influence lesson.

Student Prerequisites 

Students should be familiar with types of art forms and how cultures around the world influence modern American art.

Accessibility Notes

Modify the research handout and resources as needed. Utilize appropriate assistive technologies for the research project and essay portion of the lesson. Introduce adaptive art tools and software and allow extra time to complete artwork.

Engage

1. Write the word “ethos” on the board. Ask: What do you think is the meaning of the word “ethos”? Share the definition of the word ethos: “the guiding beliefs of a person, group, or organization” or the definition of ethos: “the fundamental character or spirit of a culture; the underlying sentiment that informs the beliefs, customs, or practices of a group or society; dominant assumptions of a people or period.”

2. Engage students in a discussion about Western ethos. Ask students to define Western ethos. Ask: What factors influenced the development of this concept? How has it changed over time? Use the definition of the word ethos as a springboard for exploring students’ perceptions of the “ethos” of modern Western culture, particularly as the Western “ethos” is filtered through the lens of America’s vision. 

3. Divide the class into seven small groups. Distribute resource to the students. Ask each group to discuss and determine Western attitudes or practices for each topic. Students will come to a definition consensus about each topic. Note: Students may have differing opinions on the topics based on their personal and/or cultural backgrounds. Allow students an opportunity to share differing perspectives if an agreed-upon definition is not reached.

4. Have students share their definitions with the class. Students will need to keep their notes for the next part of the lesson where they will examine Ancient Greek influence on Western thought and culture.

Build

1. Research and gather information about Greek influence on art, culture, and society. Students can work in small groups or individually. Tell students they are going to select a topic from the . Each topic explores the influence of Ancient Greece in various art forms, modern culture, and components of society. 

2. Allow time for students to complete their research. Facilitate through the groups to provide support and help students locate reliable resources for gathering information.  

3. Initiate a post-research discussion with students. Ask: How has Ancient Greek thought and culture influenced American art, culture, and society? How has Ancient Greek ethos shaped American ethos?

Apply

1. Create art to describe the influence of Ancient Greek thought and culture on American ethos, art, culture, and/or society. Students should use their ethos activity and research project to inform the topic they select. Have students select one of the following art forms to express what they learned:

- Photography: Photograph buildings and/or art in your community with Ancient Greek influence. Write detailed photo captions supporting evidence of Ancient Greek influence.

- Monologue: Update a classic myth to create a contemporary monologue. Have students watch the Teaching Artists Present exercise, Creative Monologue with Khaleshia Thorpe-Price, to learn tips about creating a solo performance.

- Collage: Create a collage with Ancient Greek and modern-day art influence. The collage can include textures, colors, lines, pictures of architecture and statues, written words, and other elements that bring together the past and present. Students can watch the Teaching Artists Present exercise, Shape Collage with Sarah Zeffiro, to learn collage techniques.

- Choreography: Interpret Ancient Greek and American ethos or art through dance. Tell a 1-2 minute story with music, movement, and expression.

- Graphic Design/Illustration: Using the characteristics of Ancient Greek architecture, the history of the Olympics, and modern sports, design a new Olympic performance facility. 

- Voice-Over: Create a slideshow with “Then and Now” images reflecting the history and modern-day influence of Ancient Greece. Have students act as museum voice-over actors to narrate the presentation.

2. Allow time for students to gather the resources they need for each option. Give students time to create their art and practice presenting with a partner. 

Reflect 

1. Present works of art to the class. Set up a class gallery and/or performance area for students to showcase their work. Assess students’ knowledge of the influence of Ancient Greece on modern Western culture through their art and presentation.