Course Plan: King Arthur and Camelot
Course Overview
This course will explore the legendary tales of King Arthur and the mythical realm of Camelot. Through 10 engaging lessons, students will delve into the history, literature, and cultural significance of these stories, and learn about the impact they have had on modern storytelling.
Course Goals
- To develop an understanding of the historical and mythical aspects of King Arthur and Camelot.
- To analyse the cultural significance of Arthurian legends across different periods.
- To enhance critical thinking and engagement with historical texts and narratives.
- To promote creativity through storytelling and collaborative projects.
Course Aims
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Identify key characters and themes in Arthurian legends.
- Understand the historical context in which King Arthur is believed to have existed.
- Assess the significance of Camelot in literature and modern media.
- Create their own narratives inspired by the Arthurian legends.
Module 1: Introduction to King Arthur
Lesson 1: Who Was King Arthur?
- Introduction to the legend of King Arthur.
- Discuss historical evidence for King Arthur’s existence.
- Activity: Create a mind map of what students already know about King Arthur.
Lesson 2: Key Characters in Arthurian Legend
- Overview of main characters: Arthur, Merlin, Guinevere, Lancelot, and others.
- Discuss their roles and significance in the stories.
- Activity: Character profile creation.
Module 2: The World of Camelot
Lesson 3: The Legend of Camelot
- Discuss the mythical Castle of Camelot and its representation in literature.
- Explore the symbolic meaning of Camelot as a place of peace and chivalry.
- Activity: Group discussion on what Camelot represents to them.
Lesson 4: Chivalry and the Knights of the Round Table
- Introduction to the concept of chivalry.
- Detailed look at the Knights of the Round Table and their quests.
- Activity: Write a mini-essay on a chosen knight from the Round Table.
Module 3: Arthurian Sources and Stories
Lesson 5: Origins of the Arthurian Legends
- Explore ancient texts and sources, including Geoffrey of Monmouth and Thomas Malory.
- Discuss how these stories were passed down through generations.
- Activity: Compare two different versions of the Arthurian legends.
Lesson 6: The Adventures of King Arthur
- Analyze key quests and adventures, such as the quest for the Holy Grail.
- Discuss themes of bravery, friendship, and betrayal.
- Activity: Dramatic reading of selected adventure excerpts.
Module 4: Arthurian Legends in Modern Culture
Lesson 7: King Arthur in Modern Film and Literature
- Explore adaptations of Arthurian legends in films, books, and plays.
- Discuss how these adaptations reflect contemporary values and issues.
- Activity: Watch clips from a film adaptation of King Arthur and discuss differences from the original legend.
Lesson 8: Artistic Representations of King Arthur
- Look at how artists throughout history have interpreted King Arthur.
- Explore paintings, sculptures, and performances.
- Activity: Create an artistic representation of a scene from Arthurian legends.
Module 5: Creativity and Reflection
Lesson 9: Write Your Own Arthurian Legend
- Guided lesson on narrative structure and storytelling techniques.
- Each student will begin writing their own version of an Arthurian tale, inspired by what they have learned.
- Activity: Peer review of story drafts.
Lesson 10: Presenting Our Arthurian Legends
- Students will present their stories to the class.
- Group reflection on what was learned throughout the course.
- Activity: Class discussion and feedback on presentations.
Assessment and Evaluation
- Character profile (10%)
- Mini-essay on a knight (20%)
- Engagement in discussions and activities (30%)
- Final story and presentation (40%)
Conclusion
Through this course, Year 6 students will not only learn about King Arthur and Camelot but also hone their skills in critical thinking, creative writing, and collaborative learning. This exploration will ignite their imagination and spark an interest in historical legends that have persisted through time.