Shakespearean plays possess an ambiguity that lends commentary to the time in which it references. During this unit, students will: Discuss the characterization and points of view, Identify Literary Elements, Identify and discuss themes, Define and identify uses of symbolism, Use context clues, Cite literary texts, Write an argumentative analysis and personal reflections, Work collaboratively with classmates in various group assignments.
This unit takes place in week sixteen of the original curriculum plan. I chose the order of these lessons carefully. I will start the week off with a fun and interactive SmartBoard that allows students to get some historical background on who Julius Caesar was in regards to the history of Ancient Rome. I then move on to an interactive WebQuest that allows students to practice their research and presentation skills as they gain further insight into the history of Ancient Rome, the historical background to which the play they are reading is set. The students then move on to studying literary elements and specifically, symbolism, and apply them to the play. I close the week out by talking about cause and effect relationships as they apply them to the play and historical contexts.
Multimedia Inquiry Lesson: Smartboard Lesson: History of Julius Caesar and Ancient Rome
Direct Instruction Lesson: Research & Presentation
Cooperative Learning Lesson: Literary Elements
Concept Development Lesson: Symbolism
Choice Lesson: (Cause-Effect Model) Cause & Effect Relationships