Diane L.

Heileman
March 7, 2014

The Dark Ages Homer and Oral History
CCSS
Presentation of Knowledge and Ideas
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly,
concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization,
development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task.
CCSS.ELA-Literacy.SL.9-10.5 Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio,
visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings,
reasoning, and evidence and to add interest.
Background Information:
Through the chaos of the collapse of the Greek Mycenaean age, cities and settlements were
destroyed by violence. Greek social and cultural life vanished. Palaces, art, education and even
the written word disappeared to be replaced by the need for basic survival. Thus began the
Greek Dark Ages in 1100 BC until 750BC. Even though the written word was gone, people told
of their history through stories. Around 800 BC, Homers epic poems the Iliad and the Odyssey
appeared. These poems were thought to have been final versions of stories told for centuries
about Mycenaean heroes. Homers poems were a source of history, achievements, practical
information and morals. The Dark Ages were coming to an end.
Purpose:
The purpose of this unit is for students to understand the aspects, elements and impact of oral
history. Students will have the opportunity to research and compile their own oral history and
present to each other.
Materials:
The materials will be provided by the teacher.
1. Introduction to Oral History Baylor University for Oral History
http://www.baylor.edu/content/services/document.php/43912.pdf
2. Oral History - Step by Step
http://genealogy.about.com/od/oral_history/ss/oral_history.htm
3. Website: Oral Poetry Homer
http://socsci.gulfcoast.edu/rbaldwin/dark_age_greece.htm
4. Homeric Recitation with translation
http://members.iinet.net.au/~ada/AveryAndrews/Homer/
5. How to Interview a Relative by Kimberly Powell

Concepts:
1. To understand the important elements of oral storytelling.
2. To explore an aspect of a students historical background or the impact of current events.
3. To present in a clear, organized and interesting manner.

Lessons:
To do this we will do each of the following:
a. Recognize that everyone has a story and that story is important. Understand the impact of
Homers work. Understand the basic elements of oral storytelling.
b. Research through family discussion or personal experience a story to present.
c. Incorporate instances of history, information, theme or message, and personal reflection.
d. Support story with photos, music, digital media, food, or interactive elements.
e. Prepare and present your oral history story to the class.

Assessment Tools
1. Oral Presentation Rubric