Discovery Channel School

Great Books: Walden (2003)

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An overview of Henry David Thoreau's Walden looks at the simple story and deeper messages. A discussion of the symbolism in Walden and Thoreau's life at Walden Pond lead to Thoreau's influences on Martin Luther King, Jr. and the civil rights movement. Activists work to preserve Walden Pond and Thoreau's inspirational teachings for later generations.

Grade Level: 
Middle
High
Length: 
01:00
Great Books: Walden

Great Books: The Lord of the Flies (2003)

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Inspired by the atrocities committed during World War II, William Golding wrote "The Lord of the Flies" to address the issue of child murderers. As in any gang culture, the boys in the novel gravitate to a leader to gain a sense of identity and protection.

Grade Level: 
Middle
High
Length: 
01:00
Great Books: The Lord of the Flies

Great Books: The Odyssey (2003)

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Introduces one of the world's first action-adventure stories. Looks at Greek myths and The Odyssey's lessons of morality. Scholars and critics discuss the impact of The Odyssey on Western literature, as well as the now-familiar heroic traits first seen in Homer's characters.

Grade Level: 
Middle
High
Length: 
01:00
Great Books: The Odyssey

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