Three Weeks with Hamlet


For each assignment/viewing, I expect you to keep a list of characters, make a brief character sketch of each character, note the setting and any significance you may attach to it, write a brief synopsis of the plot, and jot down any insights, questions, or observations that occur to you about this reading.

...At this point, we will approach Hamlet as a symposium with each of you responsible for seminar presentations on particular passages/topic. On the day before (by 5 p.m.) your presentation is due, you are to post your paper on QuickTopic.com as a Document review and post the link on the class blog (http://homepage.mac.com/cjudson/vergil).

Approach: View/Read first
We will read Hamlet twice—once for plot and characterization and again for a close reading. The first reading will be a quick reading. For each assignment/viewing, I expect you to keep a list of characters, make a brief character sketch of each character, note the setting and any significance you may attach to it, write a brief synopsis of the plot, and jot down any insights, questions, or observations that occur to you about this reading. There may be quizzes.

Hamlet Symposium
At this point, we will approach Hamlet as a symposium with each of you responsible for seminar presentations on particular passages/topic.
On the day before (by 5 p.m.) your presentation is due, you are to post your paper on QuickTopic.com as a Document review and post the link on the class blog (http://homepage.mac.com/cjudson/vergil ).
Here's a description of the paper and presentation:
(1) A 5-8-page analytical paper explicating your passage/topic. Develop your own interpretation. After that you are free to do research in the library on this passage—just be sure to document any sources you use and attribute ideas and quotations appropriately. You may find critics that confirm your interpretation—or you may want to argue with their interpretations. Please post your paper for review and each member should try to read it before class.
(2) You will be expected to teach your passage and connect it to the larger concerns of the text. You should prepare a series of questions and comments to lead the class in an animated discussion. There will be four presentations during each class. This means that you will have 12-15 minutes. Practice and time yourself carefully. Meanwhile, all students will be rereading the play.
Note: The final draft of your paper is due the class after your presentation. You should use the online comments and in-class responses to revise your paper. The paper is worth a paper grade (100 points) and the symposium is worth an exam grade (50 points). Criteria for both will be posted on the class blog early this week.

Memorization
You are to memorize and recite the "To be or not to be" speech beginning on page 53 and ending with And lose the name of action. on page 54. You will need to sign up for a time outside of class for this. The times will be before school and after school during the week of March 22-26. I will post a signup during this week.

Exam
We will have an exam on Hamlet on Tuesday, March 30.

Assistance
If you need any assistance with your paper and/or presentation, please ask. I will also post some sites of interest in aiding your writing and presentations on the class blog.

Posted:
Sun - March 14, 2004 at 02:36 PM        

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