Module 4 - To Be or Not to Be: The Evolution of Hamlet s Personality

Transcription

1 Hamlet s Personality LIST OF CONTENTS Information Sheet Section 1: What Task and Standards? Teaching Task Common Core State Standards Reading Standards for Informational / Explanatory Tasks Speaking and Listening Standards Writing Standards for Informational / Explanatory Tasks Content Standards from State or District Speaking and Listening Rubric Writing Rubric for Informational / Explanatory Tasks Section 2: What Skills? Skill Cluster Overview Section 3: What Instruction? Instructional Ladder Skill Cluster 1: Preparation for Module Skill Cluster 2: Reading Process Skill Cluster 3: Dialogue Process Skill Cluster 3: Transition to Writing Skill Cluster 4: Writing Process Materials, References and Supports Teacher Work Section Module Appendix Seminar Plan Text Vocabulary List Seminar Speaking and Listening Checklist 1 of 33

2 Information Sheet FOR INFORMATIONAL / EXPLANATORY Module Title (Title should Include text title and key ideas) Module Description (Overview to state course subject, key ideas, text, written product and audience) Template Task (The writing assignment with blanks; include number, type, level) Teaching Task (FIll in the blanks and be sure there is a clear connection between the question, task and text) Big Ideas, Values (see Ideas and Values list on page 19 in the Paideia Course Manual) To Be or Not to Be: the Evolution of Hamlet s Personality This module is designed to be taught as part of a high school Humanities Course, specifically as part of a unit on how the Renaissance grew out of Ancient Civilization. The key ideas in this unit include Duty, Good and Evil, Judgment, Life and Death all part of the ancient philosophical tradition that has continued to shape the modern world. The seminar text for this module consists of two soliloquies from Shakespeare s Hamlet. The written product that students will produce as a final product is an essay that analyzes how Hamlet s personality evolves during the course of the play. Collection 2, Task 23: [Insert optional question.] After reading (literature or informational text), write a (report, essay, or substitute) in which you compare (content). Support your discussion with evidence from the text(s). (Informational or Explanatory/Comparison) How does Hamlet s personality evolve during the course of the play? After reading two of Hamlet s soliloquies (Act III, Scene 1 and Act IV, Scene 4), write an essay in which you compare his state of mind early in the play to his state of mind late in the play. Support your discussion with evidence from the texts. Duty Good and Evil Judgment Grade(s)/Level 10 Discipline (e.g., ELA, science, history, other?) Course Author(s) Contact Information Humanities Humanities (or English) Laura Billings, Terry Roberts laura@paideia.org troberts@paideia.org 2 of 33

3 Section 1: What Tasks and Standards? TEACHING TASK Teaching Task (Before finalizing, draft your own response to text and revise) Reading Texts (See Paideia Text Rubric on page 20 in the Paideia Course Manual for text selection rubric; provide text title here and include link to exact version or whole text in Appendix) Background to Share with Students (Justify why it is important for students to read and study this text) Extension (Note the written product, the audience and how the audience might respond) How does Hamlet s personality evolve during the course of the play? After reading two of Hamlet s soliloquies (Act III, Scene 1 and Act IV, Scene 4), write an essay in which you compare his state of mind early in the play to his state of mind late in the play. Support your discussion with evidence from the texts. Two soliloquies from Hamlet by William Shakespeare: Act III, Scene1, lines ( To be or not to be ) Act IV, Scene 4, Lines ( How all occasions do inform against me ) (both are in Appendix) Hamlet, written around 1600 by William Shakespeare, is probably the best known play in the world. It is a revenge tragedy, in which the main character, young Prince Hamlet, is required by the ghost of his murdered father to take revenge on the murderer, who happens to be Hamlet s Uncle Claudius. The play itself is full of mystery, and we in the audience watch Hamlet search throughout for the truth not only the truly of what happened to his father but also the truth at the heart of the human condition in general and his own troubled mind in particular. Student essays will become the Introductory text for each Student Portfolio to be re-visited throughout the year as a first attempt to define the value of an education. In addition, students will share their essays with their parents and/or guardians and participate in a semi-formal discussion with parents/guardians about their educational ambitions. 3 of 33

4 Section 1: What Tasks and Standards? (continued) COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS (refer to grade level standards) Reading Standards vary by module type. READING STANDARDS for INFORMATIONAL / EXPLANATORY Built-in Reading Standards 1. Read closely to determine what the text says explicitly and to make logical inferences from it; cite specific textual evidence when writing or speaking to support conclusions drawn from the text. 2. Determine central ideas or themes of a text and analyze their development; summarize the key supporting details and ideas. 4. Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone. 6. Assess how point of view or purpose shapes the content and style of a text. 10. Read and comprehend complex literary and informational texts independently and proficiently. When Appropriate Reading Standards 3. Analyze how and why individuals, events, and ideas develop and interact over the course of a text. 5. Analyze the structure of texts, including how specific sentences, paragraphs, and larger portions of the text (e.g., section, chapter, scene, or stanza) relate to each other and the whole. 7. Integrate and evaluate content presented in diverse formats and media, including visually and quantitatively, as well as in words. 8. Delineate and evaluate the argument and specific claims in a text, including the validity of the reasoning as well as the relevance and sufficiency of the evidence. 9. Analyze how two or more texts address similar themes or topics in order to build knowledge or to compare the approaches the authors take. 4 of 33

5 Section 1: What Tasks and Standards? (continued) COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS (refer to grade level standards) Speaking and Listening Standards are the same for all three module types. SPEAKING AND LISTENING STANDARDS for ALL MODULE TYPES Built-in Speaking and Listening Standards 1. Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively. 4. Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 6. Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and communicative tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. When Appropriate Speaking and Listening Standards 2. Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally. 3. Evaluate a speaker s point of view, reasoning, and use of evidence and rhetoric. 5. Make strategic use of digital media and visual displays of data to express information and enhance understanding of presentations. 5 of 33

6 Section 1: What Tasks and Standards? (continued) COMMON CORE STATE STANDARDS (refer to grade level standards) Writing Standards vary by module type. WRITING STANDARDS for INFORMATIONAL / EXPLANATORY Built-in Writing Standards 2. Write informational/explanatory texts to examine and convey complex ideas and information clearly and accurately through the effective selection, organization, and analysis of content. 4. Produce clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience. 5. Develop and strengthen writing as needed by planning, revising, editing, rewriting, or trying a new approach. 9. Draw evidence from literary or informational texts to support analysis, reflection, and research. 10. Write routinely over extended time frames (time for research, reflection, and revision) and shorter time frames (a single sitting or a day or two) for a range of tasks, purposes, and audience. When Appropriate Writing Standards 1. Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence. 3. Write narratives to develop real or imagined experiences or events using effective technique, well-chosen details, and well-structured event sequences. 6. Use technology, including the Internet, to produce and publish writing and to interact and collaborate with others. 7. Conduct short as well as more sustained research projects based on focused questions, demonstrating understanding of the subject under investigation. 8. Gather relevant information from multiple print and digital sources, assess the credibility and accuracy of each source, and integrate the information while avoiding plagiarism. 6 of 33

7 Section 1: What Tasks and Standards? (continued) CONTENT STANDARDS from STATE OR DISTRICT Standards Source: NUMBER CONTENT STANDARDS 7 of 33

8 Section 1: What Tasks and Standards? (continued) SPEAKING AND LISTENING RUBRIC This is the same for all three module types. SCORING ELEMENTS Not Yet Approaches Expectations /Meets Expectations Adanced Attention Does not look at the person speaking. Occasionally turns and talks to person sitting nearby while another person is speaking. Looks at the person speaking during most of the discussion. Rarely talks while another is speaking. Looks at the person speaking during the discussion. Does not talk while another is speaking. Engagement Does not take notes related to the ideas being discussed. Occasionally takes notes related to the ideas being discussed. Gives way to another as a way of sharing the talk time. Consistently takes notes related to the ideas being discussed. Gives way to another as a way of sharing the talk time. Articulation Makes barely audible statements. Makes clear and accurate statements; generally speaks at appropriate pace, volume; uses relevant vocabulary and grammar. Makes clear and accurate statements; consistently speaks at appropriate pace, volume; uses relevant vocabulary and grammar. Explanation Makes simple, somewhat unrelated or repetitive points/ statements. Provides points/ statements about the discussion topic noting details related to sequence, category, purpose, or point of view. Provides insight related to fallacies within the text; tests assumptions and explores inferences. Refers to the text or another relevant source. Table continues on next page 8 of 33

9 Section 1: What Tasks and Standards? (continued) SPEAKING AND LISTENING RUBRIC (continued) SCORING ELEMENTS Not Yet Approaches Expectations / Meets Expectations Adanced Expansion Draws conclusions based on a single perspective. Refers to the text or another relevant source. Illuminates relevance; Notes positive/ negative implications Acknowledges difference in own perspectives before and now. Adds to previous statement by offering a more global/ holistic interpretation. Connection Does not ask questions. Does not refer to what else has been said. Considers another point of view and acknowledges personal bias. Asks authentic questions. Paraphrases what else has been said. Refers to another facet of an idea or another s comment. Considers multiple points of view and acknowledges personal bias. Asks authentic, thought-provoking, open-ended questions. 9 of 33

10 Section 1: What Tasks and Standards? (continued) WRITING RUBRIC for INFORMATIONAL / EXPLANATORY TASKS Writing Rubrics vary by module type. SCORING ELEMENTS Not Yet Approaches Expectations Focus Attempts to address prompt, but lacks focus or is off-task. Addresses prompt appropriately but with a weak or uneven focus. Controlling Idea Attempts to establish a controlling idea, but lacks a clear purpose. Establishes a controlling idea with a general purpose. Reaading/ Research Development Organization Conventions Attempts to present information in response to the prompt, but lacks connections or relevance to the purpose of the prompt. Attempts to provide details in response to the prompt, including retelling, but lacks sufficient development or relevancy. Attempts to organize ideas, but lacks control of structure. Attempts to demonstrate standard English conventions, but lacks cohesion and control of grammar, usage, and mechanics. Sources are used without citation. Presents information from reading materials relevant to the purpose of the prompt with minor lapses in accuracy or completeness. Presents appropriate details to support the focus and controlling idea. Uses an appropriate organizational structure to address the specific requirements of the prompt, with some lapses in coherence or awkward use of the organizational structure. Demonstrates an uneven command of standard English conventions and cohesion. Uses language and tone with some inaccurate, inappropriate, or uneven features. Inconsistently cites sources. Content Understanding Attempts to include disciplinary content in explanations, but understanding of content is weak. Content is irrelevant, inappropriate, or inaccurate. Briefly notes disciplinary content relevant to the prompt. Shows basic or uneven understanding of content. Minor errors in explanation. Table continues on next page 10 of 33

11 Section 1: What Tasks and Standards? (continued) WRITING RUBRIC for INFORMATIONAL / EXPLANATORY TASKS (continued) Meets Expectations Advanced Addresses prompt appropriately and maintains a clear, steady focus. Addresses all aspects of prompt appropriately and maintains a strongly developed focus. Establishes a controlling idea with a clear purpose maintained throughout the response. Establishes a strong controlling idea with a clear purpose maintained throughout the response. Presents information from reading materials relevant to the prompt with accuracy and sufficient detail. Accurately presents information relevant to all parts of the prompt with effective selection of sources and details from reading materials. Presents appropriate and sufficient details to support the focus and controlling idea. Presents thorough and detailed information to strongly support the focus and controlling idea. Maintains an appropriate organizational structure to address the specific requirements of the prompt. Maintains an organizational structure that intentionally and effectively enhances the presentation of information as required by the specific prompt. Demonstrates a command of standard English conventions and cohesion, with few errors. Response includes language and tone appropriate to the audience, purpose, and specific requirements of the prompt. Cites sources using appropriate format with only minor errors. Accurately presents disciplinary content relevant to the prompt with sufficient explanations that demonstrate understanding. Demonstrates and maintains a well-developed command of standard English conventions and cohesion, with few errors. Response includes language and tone consistently appropriate to the audience, purpose, and specific requirements of the prompt. Consistently cites sources using appropriate format. Integrates relevant and accurate disciplinary content with thorough explanations that demonstrate in-depth understanding. 11 of 33

12 Module Templates Section 2: What Skills? SKILL CLUSTER OVERVIEW Skill Definition SKILL CLUSTER 1: PREPARATION FOR MODULE Task Analysis Ability to understand and explain the task s prompt and rubric. SKILL CLUSTER 2: READING PROCESS (PRE-SEMINAR) Background Information Inspectional Reading Essential Vocabulary Analytical Reading Ability to identify contextual information. Ability to identify structural components of the seminar text. Ability to identify and master terms essential to understanding a text. Ability to read for meaning and inferences. SKILL CLUSTER 3: DIALOGUE PROCESS (PAIDEIA SEMINAR) Pre-Seminar Process Seminar Post-Seminar Process Ability to reflect on personal communication habits and select appropriate speaking and listening goals. Ability to think critically and collaboratively in a group about concepts and ideas of a text through a structured Socratic seminar or other discussion-based strategy. Ability to self-assess on speaking and listening skills practiced in the seminar and note relevant communication goals for future discussions. SKILL CLUSTER 4: WRITING PROCESS Note-taking Initiating the Task (Controlling Idea) Planning Initial Draft and Development Revision Editing Completion Ability to select important facts and passages for use in one s own writing. Ability to establish a controlling idea and consolidate information relevant to task. Ability to develop a line of thought and text structure appropriate to the task type. Ability to construct an initial draft with an emerging line of thought and structure. Ability to explain relevant and plausible implications. Ability to address the credibility and origin of sources in view of your research topic. Ability to identify gaps or unanswered questions. Ability to refine text, including line of thought, language usage, and tone as appropriate to audience and purpose. Ability to proofread and format a piece to make it more effective. Ability to submit final work that is on task. 12 of 33

13 Section 3: What Instruction? INSTRUCTIONAL LADDER Pacing Skill & Definition Product & Prompt SKILL CLUSTER 1: PREPARING FOR THE TASK Criteria for Scoring Instructional Strategies Day 1 Task Analysis Ability to understand and explain the task s prompt and rubric. Bullets In your own words, what are the important features of a good response to this prompt? No scoring Share examples of types of compositions students will produce (either from past students or from professional writers). Identify or invite students to identify key features of examples. Pair students to share and improve their individual bullets. Create a classroom list: Choose one student to share a few ideas on the board, and ask others to add to it. SKILL CLUSTER 2: READING PROCESS (PRE-SEMINAR) Days 1-3 Background Information Ability to identify contextual information. Notes Add notes to your timeline and world map. Also note key features of the essay. Complete and accurate background information is noted. Share background information with students either via short lecture, power point, video, or reading. Have students do additional research as appropriate. Days 1-3 Inspectional Reading Ability to identify structural components of the seminar text. Labeling Text & Paraphrase Label parts of the text by numbering the lines of the two texts. Discuss where they two soliloquies appear in the play. Structural features of the text are visible and clear. Each student has a copy of the printed text. Read the two soliloquies aloud for students. Remind students where these two soliloquies appear in the play and discuss in particular the setting of the two scenes (Act III, Scene 1 and Act IV, Scene 4) where these speeches appear. See Adler & Van Doren, pp of 33

14 Section 3: What Instruction? (continued) INSTRUCTIONAL LADDER (continued) Pacing Skill & Definition Product & Prompt Criteria for Scoring SKILL CLUSTER 2: READING PROCESS (PRE-SEMINAR) (continued) Instructional Strategies On-going Essential Vocabulary Ability to identify and master terms essential to understanding a text. Vocabulary List In your notebook, list words and phrases essential to the texts. Add definitions, and (if appropriate) notes on connotation in this context. In addition to the terms from the text, also list and define the following: Tragedy Act Scene Soliloquy Lists appropriate phrases. Provides accurate definitions. Read the text aloud a second time while students highlight the words and phrases with which they are unfamiliar. Discuss the two soliloquies line by line, defining terms while students take notes on their initial copies of the text for transfer into their notebooks. After scoring, ask some students to share definitions of terms that others overlooked or misunderstood. After scoring, be willing to provide direct instruction or guide a close reading if needed to work through a key phrase most students missed. Day 3 (& 4 as necessary Analytical Reading Ability to annotate demanding text in detail. Notes Using the twocolumn version of the text provided by the teacher, work in groups of three to annotate your personal copy of the text with paraphrases for difficult passages. After your group has finished annotating both texts, participate in class discussion of annotations. Annotates texts in detail including paraphrase of individual lines. Project on the board or screen a set of footnotes from a standard version of the text (of your choice) so that students will have a starting place with antique words or phrases. Assign groups of three to work through both texts line-by-line, writing clear paraphrases of any lines that are confusing to the students in each group. After all groups are finished, discuss both texts line by line, having groups share their paraphrases; discuss as necessary for clarity. 14 of 33

15 Section 3: What Instruction? (continued) INSTRUCTIONAL LADDER (continued) Pacing Skill & Definition Product & Prompt Criteria for Scoring SKILL CLUSTER 3: DIALOGUE PROCESS (SEMINAR) Instructional Strategies Day 4 Pre-Seminar Process Ability to reflect on personal communication habits and select appropriate speaking and listening goals. Self-Assessment Based on the list of speaking and listening behaviors, note in writing a goal for your personal participation in the upcoming dialogue. See Appendix. Chooses appropriate individual process goal based on past seminar performance. PLEASE use the Seminar Plan/ Seminar Process Script in Appendix along with the Speaking and Listening Checklist. Teacher should identify a collection of appropriate speaking and listening goals for the group. Students select what they will work on individually and note it in writing on the Seminar Process Assessment sheet included in the Module Appendix. The group participation goal is discussed and posted where all can see. Day 4 Seminar Ability to think critically and collaboratively in a group about concepts and ideas of a text through a structured Paideia seminar. Participate in the Seminar and focus on your goals. No scoring PLEASE use the Seminar Plan in Appendix. Teachers should be familiar with the Process step of Paideia Seminar including: definition and purpose for having the dialogue, role and responsibility of facilitator and participants, steps to guide personal and group process goals. Also see Teaching Thinking Through Dialogue for examples of pre- and post-seminar process scripts embedded in sample seminar plans. 15 of 33

16 Section 3: What Instruction? (continued) INSTRUCTIONAL LADDER (continued) Pacing Skill & Definition Product & Prompt Criteria for Scoring SKILL CLUSTER 3: DIALOGUE PROCESS (SEMINAR) (continued) Instructional Strategies Day 4 Post-Seminar Ability to self-assess on speaking and listening skills practiced in the seminar and note relevant communication goals for future discussions. Self-Assessment Reflect back on your participation goal, then finish filling out the Speaking and Listening Checklist; write a short reflective work on your seminar performance in detail. SKILL CLUSTER 3 TRANSITION TO WRITING Answers task by filling in form completely. Writes in detail about seminar participation. PLEASE use the Seminar Plan/ Seminar Process Script in Appendix. Have a few representative students share their goal for speaking and listening and their performance. Likewise, may ask the entire class to reflect on the entire dialogue process, i.e. the group effort. In whatever format is preferred, both individual and group reflections should be archived for reference at the beginning of the next Seminar. See Teaching Thinking through Dialogue: pages Day 4 Capturing Ideas from Discussion Ability to capture in writing the ideas (and words used to name and discuss ideas) from the seminar discussion. Short Response In a quick write, note things you heard, said, or thought during the seminar that are in any way related to the writing task. No scoring Link this task to earlier class content. Remind students that these notes will feed directly into the writing process. Clarify timetable and support plans for the task. 16 of 33

17 Section 3: What Instruction? (continued) INSTRUCTIONAL LADDER (continued) Pacing Skill & Definition Product & Prompt SKILL CLUSTER 4 WRITING PROCESS Criteria for Scoring Instructional Strategies Day 5 Note-taking Ability to select important facts and passages for use in one s own writing. Notes From each text, make a list of the elements that look most important for answering the prompt. Do what you need to do to avoid plagiarism. Note in particular quotes that you can use to illustrate your response to the writing task. Identifies relevant elements. Includes information to support accurate citation (for example, Act, Scene, and Line number). Teach a model format for note taking. Check that early student work is in the assigned format (or in another format that gathers the needed information effectively). Day 6 Initiating the Task (Controlling Idea) Ability to establish a claim and consolidate information relevant to task. Opening Paragraph Write an opening paragraph that includes a controlling idea and sequences the key points you plan to make in your composition. Writes a concise summary statement or draft opening. Provides direct answer to main prompt requirements. Establishes a controlling idea. Identifies key points that support development of argument. Offer several examples of opening paragraphs from previous student responses to a similar prompt (Informational/ Explanatory Comparison). Ask class to discuss what makes them strong or weak. Review the list that students created earlier to identify needed elements. Day 7 Planning Ability to develop a line of thought and text structure appropriate to the task type. Outline/Organizer Create an outline based on your notes and reading in which you state your claim, sequence your points, and note your supporting evidence. Creates an outline or organizer. Supports controlling idea. Uses evidence from texts read earlier. Provide and teach one or more examples of outlines or organizers. Invite students to generate questions in pairs about how the format works, and then take and answer questions. 17 of 33

18 Section 3: What Instruction? (continued) INSTRUCTIONAL LADDER (continued) Pacing Skill & Definition Product & Prompt SKILL CLUSTER 4 WRITING PROCESS (continued) Criteria for Scoring Instructional Strategies Days 8-9 Inital Draft and Development Ability to construct an initial draft with an emerging line of thought and structure. Draft Write an initial draft complete with opening, development, and closing; insert and cite textual evidence. Address the credibility and origin of sources in view of your research topic. Identify gaps or unanswered questions. Provides complete draft with all parts. Supports the opening in the later sections with evidence and citations. Encourage students to re-read prompt partway through writing, to check that they are ontrack. Days Revision Ability to refine text, including line of thought, language usage, and tone as appropriate to audience and purpose. Multiple Drafts Refine composition s analysis, logic, and organization of ideas/points. Use textual evidence carefully, with accurate citations. Decide what to include and what not to include. Provides complete draft with all parts. Supports the opening in the later sections with evidence and citations. Improves earlier edition. Model useful feedback that balances support for strengths and clarity about weaknesses. Assign students to provide each other with feedback on those issues. Day 12 Editing Ability to proofread and format a piece to make it more effective. Correct Draft Revise draft to have sound spelling, capitalization, punctuation, and grammar. Adjust formatting as needed to provide clear, appealing text. Provides draft free from distracting surface errors. Uses format that supports purpose. Briefly review selected skills that many students need to improve. Teach a short list of proofreading marks. Assign students to proofread each other s texts a second time. Day 13 Completion Ability to submit final piece that meets expectations. Final Work Turn in your complete set of drafts, plus the final version of your piece. Demonstrates that composition is on task and ready for evaluation. Celebrate! 18 of 33

19 Materials, References, and Supports FOR TEACHERS Adler, Mortimer J. and Charles Van Doren. (1972). How to Read a Book. New York: Simon and Schuster. Adler, Mortimer. How to Speak and How to Listen. Dougherty, Billings, Roberts, ASCD Teaching Writing for Enduring Understanding. National Paideia Center (2010). Teaching Thinking Through Dialogue: Paideia Seminar Manual. 2nd Edition. Roberts, Terry and Laura Billings. (2011). Teaching Critical Thinking: Using Seminars for 21st Century Literacy. New York: Eye on Education. Dictionary: Timeline: FOR STUDENTS World Map: Hamlet, William Shakespeare 19 of 33

20 Teacher Work Section Added Thoughts About Teaching This Module There are two ways to teach this module. The first is to lead your class through a close reading of the entire play and then do the seminar on the two soliloquies that are featured in the seminar plan and writing task. The second is to provide your students with a list of characters and plot summary of the play and then lead your students through close readings of the two soliloquies. If you read the entire play, we recommend that you follow some version of the following steps: Inspectional Reading Have students work in groups of 3-5 to examine the text and list as many characteristics as possible (Act/Scene/Line distinctions, written partially in poetry, list of characters, stage directions, etc.) Vocabulary Have students keep a vocabulary log in their class notebooks or daybooks, in which they record a running list of words that they deem both important and unfamiliar. At the end of each Act, give students class time to add definitions to their lists (noting where the words appear in the play). Before your class discussion of each scene, discuss unfamiliar vocabulary before working your way through the scene. Analytical Reading Assign 2-3 students to focus on each of the major characters in the play and create a running record (scene by scene) of references to that character, actions by that character, speeches by that character, etc. Do not assign Hamlet to any students, as his character will become the focus of the seminar discussion and the writing task. Read at least one scene from each Act aloud in class, assigning student volunteers the various characters to play. Viewing Consider showing a recent video of the play itself after class discussion of the entire play but before the close reading of the two soliloquies that will precede the seminar. Writing If you do choose to read the entire play with your students, you may also choose to allow students to refer to the entire play in their essays; otherwise, they should only refer to the two excerpts that are the focus of the seminar. 20 of 33

21 seminar plan for: To Be or Not to Be: The Evolution of Hamlet s Personality Ideas: Duty, Good and Evil, Judgment 21 of 33

22 PRE-SEMINAR Two Soliloquies from Hamlet (~1600) WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE From Act III, Scene 1 56 To be, or not to be that is the question: Whether tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune Or to take arms against a sea of troubles And by opposing end them. To die, to sleep No more, and by a sleep to say we end The heartache, and the thousand natural shocks That flesh is heir to. Tis a consummation Devoutly to be wished. To die, to sleep, To sleep perchance to dream ay, there s the rub, For in that sleep of death what dreams may come When we have shuffled off this mortal coil, Must give us pause. There s the respect That makes calamity of so long life. For who would bear the whips and scorns of time, Th oppressor s wrong, the proud man s contumely The pangs of despised love, the law s delay, The insolence of office, and the spurns That patient merit of th unworthy takes, When he himself might his quietus make With a bare bodkin? Who would fardels bear, To grunt and sweat under a weary life, But that the dread of something after death, The undiscovered country, from whose bourn No traveler returns, puzzles the will, And makes us rather bear those ills we have Than to fly to others that we know not of? Thus conscience does make cowards of us all, And thus the native hue of resolution 22 of 33

23 PRE-SEMINAR Two Soliloquies from Hamlet (p2) From Act III, Scene 1 (continued) Is sicklied o er with the pale cast of thought, And enterprise of great pitch and moment With this regard their currents turn awry 88 And lose the name of action. From Act IV, Scene 4 32 How all occasions do inform against me And spur my dull revenge! What is a man, If his chief good and market of his time Be but to sleep and feed? A beast, no more. Sure he that made us with such large discourse Looking before and after, gave us not That capability and godlike reason To fust in us unused. Now, whether it be Bestial oblivion, or some craven scruple Of thinking too precisely on th event A thought which, quartered, hath but one part wisdom And ever three parts coward I do not know Why yet I live to say This thing s to do, Sith I have cause, and will, and strength, and means To do t. Examples gross as earth exhort me. Witness this army of such mass and charge, Led by a delicate and tender prince, Whose spirit, with divine ambition puffed, Makes mouths at the invisible event, Exposing what is mortal and unsure To all that fortune, death, and danger dare, Even for an eggshell. Rightly to be great Is not to stir without great argument, But greatly to find quarrel in a straw 23 of 33

24 PRE-SEMINAR Two Soliloquies from Hamlet (p3) From Act IV, Scene 4 (continued) When Honor s at the stake. How stand I then, That have a father killed, a mother stained, Excitements of my reason and my blood, And let all sleep, while to my shame I see The imminent death of twenty thousand men That for a fantasy and trick of fame Go to their graves like beds, fight for a plot Whereon the numbers cannot try the cause, Which is not tomb enough and continent To hide the slain? O, from this time forth, 66 My thoughts be bloody, or be nothing worth! 24 of 33

25 PRE-SEMINAR VOCABULARY LIST 25 of 33

26 PRE-SEMINAR Content BACKGROUND INFORMATION Determine essential facts necessary to understand context of key text. Share with students either via short lecture, power point, video, or reading. Have students do additional research as appropriate. INSPECTIONAL READING See that each student has a copy of the printed text or can closely view. Have students take first look at text structure. Direct students to label the parts of the text for common referencing. Read the text (or the first section) aloud with students. VOCABULARY Have students work with categories of words. Define for them rare or contextual terms. Have students define and practice using high frequency words. ANALYTICAL READING Coach students in reading the text a second and third time responding in detail to the key ideas. Provide graphic organizer for notes when appropriate. 26 of 33

27 PRE-SEMINAR Process Prepare participants to participate in seminar discussion with a version of the following script. DEFINE SEMINAR A Paideia Seminar is a time when we talk with each other about important ideas. The main purpose of seminar is to arrive at a fuller understanding of the textual ideas and values in this speech of ourselves, and of each other. We are going to work together and practice thinking about (list great ideas). FACILITATOR AND PARTICIPANT RESPONSIBILITIES As participants, I am asking you to think, listen, and speak candidly about your thoughts, reactions, and ideas. You can help each other do this by using each other s names. You do not need to raise your hands in order to speak; rather, the discussion is collaborative in that you try to stay focused on the main speaker and wait your turn to talk. You should try to both agree and disagree in a courteous, thoughtful manner. For example, you might say, I disagree with Joanna because, focusing on the ideas involved, not the individuals. As the facilitator, I am primarily responsible for asking challenging, openended questions, and I will take a variety of notes to keep up with the talk turns and flow of ideas. I will help move the discussion along in a productive direction by asking follow-up questions based on my notes. 27 of 33

28 PRE-SEMINAR Process (continued) INDIVIDUAL SELF-ASSESSMENT / GOAL SETTING Now, think about how you usually talk in a group. How do you usually talk? Consider this list of personal participation goals that are listed on the board. (OR on the Speaking and Listening Check List.) Possibilities: Speak at least three times Ask a question Look at the person speaking Use others names Agree and disagree respectfully Please choose one goal from the list and commit to achieving it during the discussion we are about to have and write your personal goal in your name tent. 28 of 33

29 SEMINAR Reiterate that our purpose is to discuss important ideas and values including: Duty, Good and Evil, and Judgment. Arrange seats so that everyone can see each other s face. Opening Question(s) Identify main ideas from the text Based on the text, choose one adjective that would describe Hamlet as we see him in Act III. (round robin response while a volunteer records the adjectives on the board) Read a short passage that illustrates your answer and explain. (spontaneous discussion) Core Questions Focus/analyze textual details What is so attractive about Death for Hamlet in this soliloquy? In lines 86-88, Hamlet says that enterprises of great pitch and moment lose the name of action. What action do you think he is referring to? Why has he lost the will to act? Now, based on the text, choose an adjective that describes Hamlet as we see him in Act IV. (again, round robin response while a volunteer records the adjectives in a separate list beside the original, opening responses) Share the passage(s) that caused you to choose this adjective. In lines (of the second soliloquy) Hamlet says that it is right to find quarrel in a straw/when honor s at stake. What does he mean by this? Why does he end the speech by saying he wants his thoughts to be be bloody, or be nothing worth? How is the first list of adjectives (based on the first soliloquy) related to the second list (based on the second)? Has Hamlet changed between these two soliloquies? If so, how? Closing Question(s) Personalize and apply the textual ideas Is there a time in your own life when you went through a change of similar intensity? If so, what was that like and does it help you understand Hamlet? 29 of 33

30 POST-SEMINAR Process Assess individual and group participation in seminar discussion. ASSESS INDIVIDUAL / GROUP GOALS Thank you for your focused and thoughtful participation in our seminar. As part of the post-seminar process, I would first like to ask you to take a few minutes to reflect on your relative success in meeting the personal process goal you set prior to beginning the discussion. Please review the goal you set for yourself and reflect in writing to what extent you met the goal. In addition, note why you think you performed as you did. (Pause for reflection.) Would several volunteers please share your self-assessment and reflection Note goals for next seminar: Given your performance today, please jot down what goal you might productively set for yourself in our next seminar. As always, our goal is continuous improvement: both as individual seminar participants and as an evolving seminar group. Thanks again for your participation. 30 of 33

31 POST-SEMINAR Content UNDERSTANDING THE ASSIGNMENT How does Hamlet s personality evolve during the course of the play? After reading two of Hamlet s soliloquies (Act III, Scene 1 and Act IV, Scene 4), write an essay in which you compare his state of mind early in the play to his state of mind late in the play. Support your discussion with evidence from the texts. BRAINSTORMING CONTENT From each text, make a list of the elements that look most important for answering the prompt. Do what you need to do to avoid plagiarism. Note in particular quotes that you can use to illustrate your response to the writing task. STRUCTURING THE COMPOSITION Create an outline based on your notes and reading in which you state your claim, sequence your points, and note your supporting evidence. Provide and teach one or more examples of outlines or organizers. Invite students to generate questions in pairs about how the format works, and then take and answer questions. WRITING THE FIRST DRAFT Write an initial draft complete with opening, development, and closing; insert and cite textual evidence. Address the credibility and origin of sources in view of your research topic. Identify gaps or unanswered questions. Encourage students to re-read prompt partway through writing, to check that they are on-track. 31 of 33

32 POST-SEMINAR Content (continued) REVISING Refine composition s analysis, logic, and organization of ideas/points. Use textual evidence carefully, with accurate citations. Decide what to include and what not to include. Model useful feedback that balances support for strengths and clarity about weaknesses. Assign students to provide each other with feedback on those issues through a writer s workshop approach. EDITING Revise draft to have sound spelling, capitalization, punctuation and grammar. Adjust formatting as needed to provide clear, appealing text. Briefly review selected skills that many students need to improve. Teach a short list of proofreading marks. Assign students to proofread each other s texts a second time. PUBLISHING THE FINAL COPY Turn in your complete set of drafts, plus the final version of your work. Celebrate! 32 of 33

33 Speaking and Listening Checklist Before Seminar Select (underline or circle from left column) one or two skills that you will focus on during this seminar. After Seminar Self-assess your participation in this Paideia Seminar by circling the number you would rate yourself. 0 = I did not do this during Paideia seminar. 5 = I did this well during Paideia seminar. PAIDEIA SEMINAR SELF-ASSESSMENT SKILLS SPECIFIC SKILL RATING Attention I look at the person speaking during the discussion. I do not talk while another is speaking Engagement I take notes related to the ideas being discussed. I give way to others as a way of sharing the talk time Articulation I make clear and accurate statements. I speak at appropriate pace & volume. I use relevant vocabulary and grammar Explanation (Justification) I provide insight about the discussion topic. I refer to the text or another relevant source Expansion Connection I consider another point of view. I add to a previous statement by offering a more global/holistic interpretation. I refer to another comment. I consider multiple points of view. I ask thought-provoking, open-ended questions To summarize, I feel my participation in seminar today was: 33 of 33