1. From Greek Gods to Modern Superheroes

2. Entrance Ticket Entrance Ticket : What makes a hero? What is the difference between a celebrity and a hero? How do “super-heroes” differ from non- fiction heroes http://youtu.be/zofga33W4tI

3. Essential Questions in this unit Essential Questions in this unit : What is a hero? What role can myths and beliefs from the past have in today’s world? How does the definition of a hero change? and Why? How do we use stories to explain the world around us?

4. What do you think was highest- grossing and lowest-grossing movie on the list below? The Avengers The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 The Amazing Spider-Man The Dark Knight Rises The Hunger Games

5. The Avengers Worldwide Gross: $1.51 billion The Dark Knight Rises Worldwide Gross: $1.08 billion The Twilight Saga: Breaking Dawn Part 2 Worldwide Gross: $778.2 million The Amazing Spider-Man Worldwide Gross: $752.2 million Prometheus Worldwide Gross: $402.5 million http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QacIEFP6uAw&list=PL6E0255 7C1856DE70

6. Speculate regarding the reasons behind the popularity of the highest-grossing movies. Do you think the characters and stories of Batman and Spider-Man are more compelling than the stories of the other superheroes featured on film? If so, why?

7. Superheroes almost always begin as ordinary humans who later acquire special powers. In their pre-superhero lives, these humans often are outcasts or “nerds.” Many have also experienced personal tragedies, challenges or setbacks. Superheroes are known for fighting evil, whether in the form of human criminals or super villains, so gaining superhero status allows tragic individuals to redeem themselves and/or avenge wrongs. Can you name some good examples of outcasts-turned- superheroes.

8. Are the themes of redemption and vengeance also present in Greek myths? How are the motivations of superheroes similar to, or different from, those of Greek gods, goddesses and heroes?