1. Cultural Diffusion Terra Teacher Lab, 2007-08
Brenda Stevens
Wildwood IB Elementary
Literature/Social Studies, 6th grade

2. Artist: Romare Bearden
Title: Return of Odysseus (Homage to
Pintoriccchio and Benin), 1977
Medium: Collage
Location: The Art Institute of Chicago

3. Artist: Pintoricchio
Title: Penelope with the Suitors, about 1509
Medium: Fresco on Canvas
Location: London, The National Gallery

4. Key Ideas about the artwork(s) that informed the lesson:
Bearden mimics a fresco based on the same scene by Pintoricchio, a 16th century painter.
Benin heads are profiled on prominent character.
Depicts Odysseus returning from a long journey after the Trojan War.
Penelope and Telemachus are larger than the rest of the characters emphasizing their importance.

5. What I wanted students to learn:
Culture influences culture through art and experience.
People are affected by their culture/environment while also influencing it.
The themes of the hero, war, and personal journey are among the ideas appearing throughout history in art and literature.
Everyone has a personal journey that reflects time and culture.

6. A few major learning activities:
Make predictions about the story behind The Return to Odysseus by Bearden.
Complete a close read of the painting.
Work collaboratively to discover historical context and information about the artist.
Synthesize Bearden’s experiences by mapping his travels.
Discuss cultural diffusion with this painting and through other examples.
Create a collage that resembles Bearden’s but also incorporates personal experience.

9. What my students learned:
Cultural diffusion is present in many examples including architecture in Chicago.
Bearden’s collage was a remake of Pintoricchio’s original work with his experiences infused.
Our own experiences influence how we look at the world.
The story of Odysseus has been around a long time and has influenced many.

10. What I learned:
The use of artwork in the classroom enhances learning through deeper thinking and application.
The story of Odysseus is portrayed in a series of collages created by Romare Bearden, and this enriched our reading of the abridged version of The Odyssey.
When given time, students enjoy creating thoughtful art.
There are many different pieces of art that coincide with what is already being taught in my classroom.