Teach It! Your "Final" (June 5-10)

PRESENTATION DATES

GROUP 1 – JUNE 5/6                       GROUP 2 – JUNE 9/10

Two groups, both alike in ability, In fair E 202, where we lay our challenge...

OVERVIEW
Smithtown's final semester offering of Shakespeare is coming to a close. Since February we have explored multiple aspects of all things "Shakespeare." Historical, Investigative, Uses of Language, Hollywood's treatment,  poetry, plays -- all in an attempt to gain a deeper appreciation for the work. Now it is time for you to take what you've gleaned, and use it for the powers of good (and not evil).

SCENARIO
Your class is about to attend a live performance of Shakespeare's ___Othello or Much Ado About Nothing ___. It is your job to give us an exciting, knowledgeable preview of the work.

TASK
There will be two (2) groups
Each group will be responsible for teaching the other about a work of Shakespeare
Over the course of Two (2) days you will provide to each other a dynamic presentation

Each amazing effort will contain, at the bare minimum, the following:
- At least one (1) scholarly work to help explain the play
- At least one (1) aspect of "live performance" from the group
- At least one (1) piece of multi-media
- At least one (1) class activity - which will engage the group and get them on their feet

PROCEDURE
Groups will:
- get the play (from the Library)
- meet and read the play together (and independently) in class and out of class
- brainstorm the most engaging way(s) to present the 'essential information' needed in order for a group of 'regular folks' to grasp and enjoy a new work of Shakespeare
- divide tasks
- set deadlines
- hold each other accountable
- resolve conflict
- have fun
- communicate clearly the needs, wishes and wants (within the group and with the instructor)
- have fun
- rehearse the presentation so it rocks

Film Study: Looking for Richard

The BIG QUESTION in our continued investigation into one of the Essential Question of this course of study - will be, in part, determined by this film.

In the docu-drama-thingy - Looking for Richard - actor Al Pacino confronts the following issue: Can one make Shakespeare's work more accessible and less intimidating to the average person?

Pacino contends that Shakespeare is "about how we feel and how we think today." The star of The Godfather and Scarface, among others, seems to be saying that Shakespeare is our contemporary and his works hold truths and meanings that can influence, inspire and move us.

VIEWING ASSIGNMENT
Take notes during and after each viewing that comes back to the big question. This is not a yes or no proposition -- rather it is a HOW?
-How does Pacino make Shakespeare and his work more accessible and less intimidating to / for the average person. - Pay attention to all the elements of cinema (Camera, Editing, Casting, Music, Story, Pace, etc. ) and documentary (Interviews, Historical Evidence, etc.)