Shakespeare 12 - THIS CLASS IS NOT OFFERED FOR THE 2023 - 2024 YEAR
Instructor: Ms. T. S. Kooy
Phone #: 698-6700 Ext. 42626
Conference Period: 6th
Email: [email protected]
Purpose of Course – Why we do it.
We read, write, think, speak, listen, and connect the major themes of several (3 - 5) of Shakespeare’s well known plays. We closely examine the similarities and differences between the culture of our time and the culture of Shakespeare’s Europe. We read aloud in this class. We read aloud in large groups and in small ones. We read and do monologues for our classmates in a non-threatening environment. We work with people we know and love, people that we don’t know, but we grow to know. At this academic and social level, my expectation is that we can and will enjoy working together! Besides, the Bard does not abide prejudicial behavior, and nor do I.
A few words about presence: Simple and to the point: we need you here. Consider this “fair warning” as NONE of your work can be done outside of this room, as the text is only one of four parts of the class. I do not 'play school.' Plan on being here. IF you are a student who misses school regularly, I would strongly advise you to ensure that you are here, daily. This course is heavily graded on participation and presence. This course is NOT independent and daily participation is mandatory. The rhythm of the course depends on the participation of each student. IF for some reason you are not present, I will receive a phone call, or an email 24 hours before you are to be absent. For every day that you are not here, do not, please, expect to get credit, points, or extra time to make up your absence: your absence, your points/grade, your choice.
Phone addicts: I am very approachable; if you have a valid reason why you need your phone on a certain day, please communicate that with me. I have no trouble with you putting your real life before school.
My day is not going according to plan…Sometimes we have “terrible, horrible, no-good, very bad days.” I understand this. If you are having one of these days, let me know. You can write me a note, or just take me aside to let me know. Even a quick “thumbs down” sign will do. I am much more understanding when I know that you need some kindness or a break. Just communicate what you need and I will do my utmost to help you. Promise. If my door is open during the day, please come in. If not, I’m likely elsewhere.
Shoot, my assignment is late! Hand in each assignment on time, when it is due. Late work will earn 50% of the assignment’s point value, or alternatively, it will not be assessed. I reserve the right to determine if your work is too late to be assessed. If you miss a day for school reasons, that work should be collected the day before you are going to miss. If you have an unexcused absence in the online grade book, you will not be permitted to make up any of the work due or handed out on that day. If you are excused, then you have the number of days you were absent to make up that work. For further explanation please see Student Policies in your student handbook.
Questions?
Any questions? Here are some opportunities should the need arise for communication outside of class. Remember that this is YOUR education that we are working on here, so ensure that you are using all that you have to do to be a success.
- "Let's Lunch!" I'm happy to have lunch with you - let me know if your day sucks and you can just join me to get away from it all. I'm happy to chat with you about class, grades, wonderings, etc. during that time, or if you just need some peace and quiet and refuge, please join me.
- Feel free to write me a memo. Place it in my mailbox in class, and I’ll return it to you in your mailbox in class. This is the best way for us to address questions that you’d rather not talk about in class.
- Email me at my KPS email. I'd love to hear from you; click here.
- Please feel free to drop by my room any time that my door is open. If the door is not open, please slip a note under the door.
Course Overview
Sonnets: An introduction to the language and sentence structure of Iambic Pentametre
Major Themes: Love, Loss, Humor, Shame, Forgiveness and Others
Sonnet analysis and research
Developing a solo interpretation of a Spenserian or Shakespearian Sonnet
~ 1 week
Shakespeare’s Accessibility for Modern Readers: Does it Exist?
Humor, Friendship, Loyalty, Honor/Respect, Self-Respect
Responding to literature through journals and peer responses
Perform scene of group’s choice
~ 3 weeks
What Did He Say? The “Isms:” How The World Has Stayed the Same and Radically Changed.
Humility, Kindness, Human Dignity, Marriage, Women’s Issues, Cultural Ignorance
Speech Analysis
Speech performance
~ 3 weeks
History: A Bore or A Boar?
Historical significance
Responding to literature through discussion questions as a group
Test and short essay
~3 weeks
Exam Production
Student Choice
Production of scenes chosen and performed for and by students in the course, and possibly the public.
1+ week
Our Course In A Nutshell
Sonnets – How to read Shakespeare, word families, favorites, presentations
The Merchant of Venice – Dealing with modern issues like age, race, religion, gender, financial security, commitment, etc. Reading, critical viewing, actors responding to difficult texts, writing journals and responses, comparing issues between then and now, working on character and plot projects.
The Taming of the Shrew – Dealing with modern issues like gender, power and control, marriage, choice, divorce, etc. Reading, critical viewing, character journals, character project and presentation.
Richard III – Extremely difficult text, historical comparison and contrast essay/writing project, modern WWII version examined for relevance and timelessness of Shakespeare’s work.
Much Ado About Nothing - A humorous romp with a very dramatic twist – again analyzing relevance for males and females and significant roles in society. How do we deal with gossip and hurtful rumors?
Othello - How do things like jealousy and racism form our world views, and what happens to us when we don't deal with those feelings? What are the consequences of misplaced trust?
Hamlet - Shakespeare's most famous play. What is indecision? What are the consequences of not making a choice when we should? How do we deal with deep grief? What does it mean to be alone in the world?
The Merchant of Venice – Dealing with modern issues like age, race, religion, gender, financial security, commitment, etc. Reading, critical viewing, actors responding to difficult texts, writing journals and responses, comparing issues between then and now, working on character and plot projects.
The Taming of the Shrew – Dealing with modern issues like gender, power and control, marriage, choice, divorce, etc. Reading, critical viewing, character journals, character project and presentation.
Richard III – Extremely difficult text, historical comparison and contrast essay/writing project, modern WWII version examined for relevance and timelessness of Shakespeare’s work.
Much Ado About Nothing - A humorous romp with a very dramatic twist – again analyzing relevance for males and females and significant roles in society. How do we deal with gossip and hurtful rumors?
Othello - How do things like jealousy and racism form our world views, and what happens to us when we don't deal with those feelings? What are the consequences of misplaced trust?
Hamlet - Shakespeare's most famous play. What is indecision? What are the consequences of not making a choice when we should? How do we deal with deep grief? What does it mean to be alone in the world?