How to Write Like Shakespeare
Learn the basics of iambic pentameter, sonnet form, Shakespeare's dramatic structure, and practice writing Shakespearean speeches.
Paul H. The Shakespearean Student
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(52)
What's included
1 live meeting
55 mins in-class hoursHomework
Students will work on turning in a sonnet for a grade. We will work on the rhyming couplet together as a class, and then I will send a worksheet about the form of sonnets for the students to fill out. They will then email me the final version for a grade.Assessment
Students will receive a participation badge for posting comments. Students will receive a digital badge for their sonnet, and a participation certificate for completing all course work.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Have you ever wanted to woo your sweetheart or write the next bestselling play? Well, this course will cover the secrets of Shakespeare’s writing. We’ll cover how to write romantic poems, the structure of Shakespeare’s plays, and you’ll get to write your own Shakespearean speeches! Course Structure: 1. Basics of iambic pentameter- 2. How to write an Elizabethan Sonnet 3. What is a Soliloquy? 4. The plot structure of Shakespeare's plays- Protasis/ Exposition, Rising Action/ Epitasis, peripeteia, Falling Action, and Resolution or Exodus. 5. Activity: Rewrite a famous quote in iambic pentameter, keeping the persuasive nature of the quote in mind. 6. Homework: Write a sonnet on a topic of your choosing. We'll use class time to develop your couplet, then you will have time to structure the sonnet in class, before turning it in for a grade.
Learning Goals
Students will learn how Shakespeare wrote his poetry and plays by learning the basics of iambic pentameter, Dramatic Structure, rhyming couplets, and sonnets.
Other Details
Supply List
A worksheet on how to write sonnets will be supplied. In addition, a handout on plot structure and soliloquy will also be provided.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
Sources
No outside resources are required.
Joined April, 2021
4.8
52reviews
Teacher expertise and credentials
2 Degrees
Master's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from Mary Baldwin College
Bachelor's Degree in Music or Theatre or Arts from Ashland University
I specialize in Shakespeare and Astronomy, having worked in theater for over 10 years, and for two years as a professional astronomy assistant. I teach courses in Shakespeare Appreciation and Shakespearean acting, as well as basic astronomy for kids.
My strongest belief about teaching is that students need instruction that will stimulate their minds through multimedia and hands-on exercises. I believe that no subject is out of a student’s reach as long as the instructor presents it in a way that is sufficiently engaging. To this end, whenever I teach workshops or classes, I make use of my training in acting, videography, and dramaturgy in order to make whatever I teach come alive.
Summary of Experience:
- Currently working as a special education paraprofessional for the York School District
- Two years experience as Astronomy Assistant for Primland Resort (2012-2014)
-Two years experience teaching at college level Shakespeare courses
-Education Outreach director for two theatrical companies
-Proven effective Shakespeare workshops for elementary school, high school, and university-level students (2008- present)
-Master Of Fine Arts, in Shakespeare and Elizabethan Literature in Performance, Mary Baldwin College (2010)
Research/ Creative Accomplishments:
-Research paper peer-reviewed and accepted at Blackfriars academic conference (2013)
-Published articles on Blogging Shakespeare (2013- present)
-Honored at Kennedy Center for dramaturgy (2007)
Something fun about me: One summer I got to meet Maggie Smith and Alan Rickman and saw Richard Griffiths and Daniel Radcliffe onstage. I got Harry Potter bingo!Reviews
Live One-Time Class
$5
per classMeets once
55 min
Completed by 11 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
3-12 learners per class
