Classic and Modern, Section 1: Shakespeare's Julius Caesar (English 1 Or 2)

This class is part of a Classic and Modern series, and can be taken alone or as part of a full year curriculum. Sections 2, 3, and 4 work with this class for a full year of high school English Credit and are linked at the end of this description. They will be offered on the same days / times for scheduling convenience. There is an option to make this an Honors level course (for all sections). 
******************************************

Shakespeare is considered a rite of passage for high school students, but often it's not a positive one. The language seems clunky and the themes unrelatable. By combining the "No Fear Shakespeare" text (a combination of the original play and a modern translation), student-led class discussions, and a cumulative project, students will engage with "Julius Caesar" in a way that is relevant, relatable, and easy to understand. 

Each week during class students will discuss the reading assignments from the past week using Bloom's Taxonomy question starters, with student-created questions.  As a teacher, I am always amazed at the depth of questions students ask and engage in! Students are welcome to participate in class discussions out loud or in the chat, and they are also welcome to just listen. 

This class allows learners to examine the HOW and WHY characters are acting the way they do, as well as the HOW and WHY Shakespeare chose specific words and phrases. There will also be direct instruction to equip learners to complete the week's assignment. In this class much of that time will be focused on Shakespeare specifically, rhetorical devices and appeals, as well as general language arts elements (i.e. foreshadowing, character development).

Because this course is geared toward homeschooled students, much of the work is done outside of class.  Students will be given weekly assignments that cover reading, writing, and reinforcement of literary concepts.  Assignments are not broken down by day so they can be adapted to each family's learning style and schedule.  Assignments have a checklist for learners to grow in their ability to track their own progress and be responsible for their academic work.  Work is clearly marked so students and parents know what is required to be able to fully participate in the next class, and what is up to the parent's discretion. This is truly a homeschool English class that you can customize to your family's needs. 

Week 1: Shakespeare poetry discussion, overview of Julius Caesar, project introduction (Campaign Project)

Week 2: Acts 1 and 2, character analysis and motivation 

Week 3: Acts 3 and 4, Rhetorical Analysis, Mark Antony speech

Week 4: Act 5, themes

Week 5: Project presentations, character elections

Who would do well in this class?  Because this course is aimed at students in grades 9-10, students should have completed grade 8 Language Arts (any curriculum or course of study, homeschool, public, or private school).  If your family does not use a traditional curriculum, feel free to send me a message if you aren't sure if your learner would be successful in this class. Students reading and writing at or above grade level should be able to work on this class independently.  Students reading and writing below grade level can be successful in this class if they have support at home to be able to help with weekly assignments.  Reading and writing levels should not affect student's abilities to participate during weekly class meetings. Additional assignments will be provided for students seeking Honors credit for this series.  

Completing all four sections of this series meets most state / provincial standards for English 1 or 2 high school credit (grades 9 or 10). If you need to keep a portfolio, these classes will have ample assignments / projects / writing to include. I also offer (optional) grades for projects and the class as a whole. If you are using these classes for formal credits and are unsure if they will meet requirements of your area, please reach out. I am happy to help you figure out if this class will work for your needs. 

Additional sections in this series are linked below (section 4 will be linked when it is posted):

Classic and Modern, Section 2
https://outschool.com/classes/classic-and-modern-section-2-homeschool-high-school-english-1-or-2-iGyeiSmj

Classic and Modern, Section 3
https://outschool.com/classes/classic-and-modern-section-3-homeschool-high-school-english-1-or-2-C1Vazx3p

Classic and Modern, Section 4
https://outschool.com/classes/classic-and-modern-section-4-homeschool-high-school-english-1-or-2-rX4RtwCj

REFUND POLICY: I understand that booking in advance is appealing to guarantee a spot in the class, but I also realize that plans can change. Please know that if you need to withdraw your learner for any reason up to ten days before the start date of this class, I will be happy to issue a full refund. Please contact me if this is the case. 

What are parents saying? 

"Another wonderful class taught by Ms. Martha Jackson! This is our third year taking her Literature classes. This class really pushed my child out of their comfort zone. I love Shakespeare, but my child is adamantly opposed to reading any of his plays. The first couple of weeks were a struggle. However, Ms. Martha always incorporates amazing and relevant projects with the assigned reading. I found my kiddo working evenings and weekends on the project that went along with Julius Caesar. My child is proud of their accomplishments in the class and has shared their project with friends and family. Thank you for a great class!"