Classical Myths. Unit 3, lesson 5

Classical Myths

IESMolí de la Vila de Capellades

Norma Jorba

UNIT 3 - LESSON 5

Did Troy exist?

2 hours

Aims

To introduce Schliemann’s biography
To understand the circumstances of the discovery of Troy
To be aware of the importance of appropriate archaeological procedures
To be aware of laws and issues involving cultural and artistic heritage

Objectives

TEACHING OBJECTIVES

LEARNING OUTCOMES

Content

To introduce different versions of Schliemann’s biography
To show the evolution of archaeological procedures
To present the history of excavations at Troy

Cognition

To promote critical thinking
To promote debate about controversial facts
To produce information to support different views
To encourage to do a simple investigation

Communication

To promote reading skills
To introduce the language for giving reasons for and against
To intorduce the language for discussion

Culture

To present human action in different contexts
To make students aware of the importance of archaeological / artistic heritage
To foster work in groups
To promote respect for justified oppinions

Content

Learners will be able to:

give a general account of the events of Schliemann’s life
know the controversial issues of Schliemann’s work

know what archaeology and archaeological heritage are

Cognition

Learners will be able to:

criticize Shliemann’s actions according to his time context
find arguments for and against keeping archaeological pieces where they currently are
judge the others’arguments
gather information about origin and current location of famous archaeological pieces

Communication

Learners will be able to:

gather significant information from a long text
express arguments for and against
discuss a controversial subject giving justified oppinion express comparison

Culture

Learners will be able to:

to evaluate Schliemann’s work in its correct context
to be aware of the evolution of archaeological practices

show greater awareness of the importance of archaeological / artistic heritage
solve a task by collaborative learning
evaluate in a positive way justified oppinions of other people

Activities (Teacher's notes)

1. Read the biography of Heinrich Schliemann and try to answer the questions in groups of four students.

Step 1: Each student is given a different version of Schliemann’s biography and reads it individually.

Step 2: In group, they answer the questions. They need data from all the texts, so that collabortative work is needed.

Different texts provide different anwers for the same questions, as one of the aims of the exercise is to realize that Schliemann is a controversial figure.

2. Read the preamble and some statements taken from the current Code of Practice of the European Association of Archaeologicists. Plenary.

Compare the statements with Schliemann’s work. The main aim of the exercice is to realize that archeological practices have changed since Schliemann’s time.

3. Step 1: The teacher gives out a set of cards to each group of four students, and they classify their cards in two sections: one with the ideas for and the other one with the ideas against Schliemnann’s work. At the end all the cards should be visible to everyone in the group.

Step 2:. One person starts giving an opinion using the idea written on one of the cards. Another person tries to refute the previous opinion using another card. Discussion continues by following this procedure. Every group chooses a spokesperson and the discussion is repeated in plenary

Sentence starters are provided in the handout. The teacher writes the main ideas for and against on the blackboard.

Step 3: Students copy the main ideas on their handouts and write a short conclusion in group.

4. Each group has the role of a delegation of the Ministry of Culture of one of the following countries: Turkey, Germany and Russia. They must argue that the ‘Treasure of Priam’ should be kept in a museum in their country.

Step 1: Each group write a list with their arguments to be submitted to an international tribunal.

Step 2:In plenary, every group evaluates the arguments of the other groups.

5. Search for the required data (original place and museum where they are kept) about 3 famous archaeological pieces kept in museums abroad from they were found: bust of Nefertiti, Rosetta stone and Elgin marbles. All of them have in common that governments or cultural personalities are currently demanding their return to their original places. As homework.

Materials

Handouts for the students
Copies of 4 different versions of Schliemann’s biography (1 | 2 | 3 | 4)
Set of cards with arguments for and against Schliemann’s work.

Assessment

Teacher assesses the work done during the session. In exercice 4 students assess the work of the other groups.