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=An Introduction to the World of William Shakespeare and His Language:=

A Thematic Unit Engaging Students in Critical Thinking
Background: Students will participate in a one-week thematic unit that will prepare them for interaction with famous monologues, dialogues, and soliloquies of William Shakespeare by investigating the life and controversy surrounding William Shakespeare, understanding the conventions he uses throughout his writing, and recognizing the universality of his themes. Correspondingly, students will be reading at home //The Shakespeare Stealer// by Gary Blackwood to develop some background on the Elizabethan culture. Upon completion of this mini unit, students will begin exploring various sonnets, monologues, dialogues, and soliloquys from recognizable Shakespeare plays. While they will continue to refer back to the knowledge gained in this mini unit, the continuing focus will be on Shakespeare's use of language to convey tone, purpose, and theme. Students will become independent readers of Shakespeare and be able to convey meaning through performance.