. Become a fan! Share news, photos, and more!

For all the budding producers in your classroom, this study guide has it all: oral storytelling, interpretive reading, study of the Odyssey, visual interpretation, research, writing, vocal interpretation, music appreciation, graphic design, fine art, and multimedia design and production. It's a fantastic and challenging 2-part project — one part writing assignment, one part visual assignment — that involves a variety of activities and learning experiences that take students from reading and studying the Odyssey, to researching and writing about mythological gods or characters, and culminates with students putting it all together in interactive educational PowerPoint presentations designed to teach others what they've learned. Check it out.

For a complete list of Study Guides, click here >>.

The Sound of The Odyssey
Listen to the rhythm of the Greek language as Professor Gregory Nagy recites the opening lines of The Odyssey as it was spoken by storytellers of old. As reference, check the Greek text and English translation.

The Sound of The Iliad
Listen to the rhythm of the Greek language as Prof. Leonard Muellner recites the opening lines of The Iliad, as it was spoken by storytellers of old. Do you recognize any of the words? You can check against these versions of The Iliad Scroll 1.1-7: Greek and English.

Grand Opening – New Acropolis Museum

The new Acropolis Museum will open to the public 8:00 am to 8:00 pm (except Mondays) starting June 24, 2009 (although, from June 21-23, visitors with pre-purchased will be admitted); tickets can be purchased through the Museum’s website. For news and information visit the Museum’s website.

Birdwatching in Greece

• Birdwatching tours: http://www.greecebirdtours.gr
  
• Birding in Greece: http://greekbirding.blogspot.com/
• Kythira Island: www.kythera.gr

To view the Photo Gallery, click here >>

In 1826 Lady Hestia Evans gave a copy of Mythology, a book she had written, to her friend John Oro. John was on his way to Greece, and Lady Hestia asked him to find antiquities for a gentleman starting a museum there. . .This story provides the frame for a rich introduction to Greek mythology, As the reader follows John Oro’s journeys, he or she is introduced to the Greek gods, their history, their power, their quirks and their failures. More >> -- review by Barbara Scotto.

Useful Words and Phrases
Going to Greece on an ExL Study Tour? Just want to be more friendly with folks at your favorite Greek eatery? Here are some useful Greek words and phrases:

• YIA-sou — Hello, goodbye (general greeting)
• Ef-ha-ri-STO — Thank you
• Ka-li-MER-a — Good morning
• Pa-ra-ka-LO — Please
• Ne-RO, pa-ra-ka-LO — Water, please
• En-DA-xi — Everything’s okay
• Ti KA-nis? — How are you?
• Ka-LA, ef-ha-ri-STO, — Fine, thank you
• Kai-e-SIS? — And you?

The words Gnothi Sauton mean "Know Thyself" and were inscribed on the sacred Temple of Apollo in Delphi, Greece. Striking in simplicity, they call forth from each of us the courage to think reflectively about ourselves and our times.

The Examined Life program brings teachers from all disciplines and grade levels together with faculty members from colleges and universities for the common purpose of strengthening Greek studies in the schools. The program encompasses opportunities for professional development, including graduate courses, a study tour of Greece, workshops, the creation of resources for teaching about Greek civilization, books and bibliographies, and ongoing discussions about how to integrate knowledge of the Greek world into the curricula.

Now in its eleventh year, the ExL program is impacting 50 schools, 12 school districts, 200 teachers, and thousands of students in the greater Boston area. We welcome you to the website, and invite you to join us in our mission to strengthen knowledge and consciousness of ancient Greece — and modern Greece as well — in classrooms and school communities across the nation.

—Barbara Harrison, Director
The Examined Life