Saturday, February 12, 2011

Shakespeare Detectives: Extra Credit

My dear 807, 810 and 814 classes,

Studying arguably the greatest writing the English language has to offer is quite a task. You are discovering that you might have to read a sonnet several times before it makes any sense. You might even have to - dare I say it - look up several words in the dictionary. Reading not just Shakespeare, but any difficult text (especially ones that use 500 year-old language) can be a research-intensive activity at first. Though as with any text, the more practice you have and the more effort you put into it, the easier it will become. 

A helpful way to dig deeper into any given text is to understand what was going on at the time it was written. What was going on when Shakespeare was writing these sonnets? Why, oh why, did he write 154 of them? Who is this mysterious "young man" he wrote so many for? Did everyone wear those those funny white collars?


The more you know about Shakespeare's world, the better you'll understand just what the heck he was talking about. When you all read Please Don't Take My Air Jordans, you might not have understood all of the slang or even the importance of a Starter jacket or Air Jordans since it was written before you were all born. A little research can reveal a lot, furthering your understanding of the poem and hopefully your appreciation as well.

"Alright, Mr. Records. Get to the part about extra credit."

Okay. Therefore, for extra during our study of Shakespeare, Ms. Galang and I challenge you to dig up or seek out all things Shakespearean. He's just about everywhere if you look hard enough. We would like to to find something The idea is not only to compile as much information about the Bard himself and the world he lived in, but also how he has affected the world you all live in today.

*Remember: All projects should be posted online for your classmates to see and learn from.*

Possible extra credit projects (but not limited to):

 - Shakespearean lyric search. The music you listen to today is created through manipulations of language and beats, just like Shakespeare. Here's an example that I used in class:


"Offend in Every Way" by the White Stripes

I'm patient of this plan
as humble as I can
I'll wait another day
before I turn away
but know this much is true
no matter what I do
offend in every way
I don't know what to say

I'm coming through the door
but they're expecting more
of an interesting man
sometimes I think I can
but how much can I fake
I'll speak until I break
with every word I say
offend in every way

You tell me to relax
and listen to these facts
that everyone's my friend
and will be till the end
but know this much is true
no matter what I do
no matter what I say
offend in every way 


It's totally iambic! To receive extra credit, find at least three songs that follow the techniques of Shakespeare. Then scan each line for us.

 - See a Shakespeare play with your parents and write a thorough response on it.
Check out BAM. There a several shows coming up.

 - Watch a film adaptation of a Shakespearean play:
    Julie Taymor's The Tempest or Titus 
    Baz Lurhman's Romeo + Juliet
    Franco Zeffirelli's Romeo and Juliet
    Royal Shakespeare Company's MacBeth or Othello - both starring Sir Ian McKellan
    10 Things I Hate About You (for this one make sure you draw comparisons to the play on which it is based)

 - Be a detective. Dig up interesting articles about William Shakespeare's life and work. Write a thorough response.

 - Find today's Shakespeare. Who do you think is a modern equivalent of the Bard? Who can go toe to toe with him in today's world? Find him or her and argue your case thoroughly.

 - History report. Believe it or not, Shakespeare wasn't the only thing special about Elizabethan England. Write a report on the fashion trends of the day, who was who on the art scene, what kind of games did they play to pass the time, or whatever else might interest you.

 - Custom Project. If you have another idea that isn't listed here, feel free to run it by either Ms. Galang or myself.

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