If you're reading these instructions, you've already seen the initial screen of this program: a list of Odysseus's wanderings as he tries to make his way home to Ithaca after the Trojan War has ended. When you click on one of the "stops," each labeled with the name of a particular place, you will first reach a page with background material for that particular episode. At the bottom of the screen, you will see three buttons: "Questions," "Contents,"and "Your turn."
First of all, read the background information. I've given you a brief summary of what's happening in terms of plot as well as some things to keep in mind as you read the episode in your book. You'll notice some "hotwords" on these introductory screens. Most of these hotwords are names of characters or places, though I've also highlighted some important concepts. Click on the hotword to see its definition in the bottom frame of your browser.
Once you've read the screen with the background material, read the episode itself in your text. I've given you page numbers as well as book and line numbers at the beginning of each "stop," so that you will be able to use this program with the translation of your choice. You don't need to sit in front of the computer to read the episode, but if you are in front of the computer and you encounter an unfamiliar name, scroll through the alphabetical list in the bottom frame to find that unfamiliar name. Be aware: the directory is by no means exhaustive! I've included only the most important items. If you do look for something that isn't there, let me know, and I will add it to our directory.
After you've finished reading the episode, you have two options. First, you might click on "Questions" for a short quiz on the facts of this episode. You can make sure that you've understood the important details of the reading by answering the question and then clicking on the question mark for the page number of the answer.
If you're satisfied that you understood the important details of the episode, you might decide to bypass the "Questions" section and go straight to "Your turn," a place where you'll write a paragraph or so in response to the questions I've written. Once you're satisfied with your paragraph, you'll send it to me via e-mail. We'll look at some of your responses to help us get started with that day's class discussion.
After you've completed the "Your turn" writing assignments, move on to the next episode. By continuing down the list, you'll trace Odysseus's journey. You'll end where you began, at Alcinoos's Kingdom.
