Performance Assessment

Meg Oberholtzer

Myth Mania!

Each student will complete their own myth, using the techniques we have practiced in class. This
will be completed over a longer span of time. They will follow each step, which I will then look
over and check off, or suggest alterations. Once they have completed a step and it has been
checked off, they will label it and add it to a folder provided. The folder will be housed in the
classroom on either a shelf or in a filing drawer. When all steps are completed, they will compile
their myth and will be given the option to present to the class if they chose to do so.

Directions: Follow the steps as provided on this sheet.

Step 1: Write your name on this sheet, the checklist, and the folder provided. Read over the
checklist and begin to check off or circle the options you would like to include in your myth.

Step 2: Pick a natural phenomenon or human dilemma to explain in your myth and write it on the
top of a blank sheet of paper

Step 3: Map out how the event confounds/interests you, what you know and don’t know about
the event, and how you might go about explaining. Once your map is completed label it and add
it to your folder.

Step 4: Pick/Design the characters you will use. These can be gods/goddesses you already know,
or one of your own design. They will need to be approved by me if you are designing your own.
With your character you must include a list of characteristics for them (what they rule over, what
powers they may have, if they have any symbols, etc.). This list will be made for both known and
created characters.

Step 5: Rough outline the structure (intro, main events, conflict, conclusion/explanation for
phenomenon)

Step 6: Draft your introduction. Label and add to your folder.

Step 7: Draft the body of your myth, which includes the main event/conflict. Label and add to
your folder.

Step 8: Draft the conclusion of your myth, which includes the explanation for your phenomenon
and any lessons that can be taken away from your myth.

Step 9: Combine and revise the parts of your myth in one typed document, and add it to the front
of your folder. Create the title to your myth and write it on the front of your folder. Complete the
Self-Assessment sheet and include it in the pocket opposite to your final drafts.

Step 10: Present your myth to the class during the Myth Slam!
 Myth Checklist
Specific Type:
- Origin myth (explains how an object, part of life, natural event, etc. was created)
o Animal
o Object
o Human action/feeling
o Nature
- Creation myth (explains how the world was created)
Universal Theme:
- Love
- Hate
- Life
- Death
- Good vs. Evil
- Fate vs. Freewill
- Family
Character Archetypes:
- Hero
- Maiden
- Villain
- Wisdom Provider
Characters:
- Prior known god/goddess
- One created by you
Narrator:
- An outside narrator
- The character themselves
- Another character
Other gods/goddesses:
- Friend
- Rival
- Mentor

Items to include in your myth:

- 1 or more Symbol/s: can be important to your god or the element you are describing
- 2 Motifs that go along with your theme (Examples: A god falls in love with a human,
conflict between two gods, overcoming obstacles, light, dark, blood, sacrifice)
- 3 paragraphs (Introduction, Body, Conclusion) of at least 5 to 7 sentences