Jump Into a Few Sonnets From Shakespeare

All courses are cancelled if less than 3 students enroll.

Some people find Shakespeare intimidating. I firmly believe that EVERY student can read and understand his work through guidance and careful study. Students will read, analyze, and interpret Shakespeare through discussion and written work.  We will talk about themes, symbolism, rhyme, and writing style. 

Special Needs: Please send me a note in advance if your child has special needs I should be aware of


Homework: reading and writing prior to  each class
Students will be required to read  prior to each class . The students will be given a list of critical thinking questions to answer for the books.
Final project: Due last class (selected by student)

Course Syllabus 
Class 1: Lecture Only--power point
covering  Biography
covering historical context of events that occurred during the time of his writing 
covering the rhyming scheme of Shakespeare
Explanation of the class expectations
Explanation of the class assignments
Time for students to ask questions at the end of class (last 3-5minutes)

Class 2  : Literature Circle-students will discuss the books read prior to class
**For class 2 read
A) Sonnet 18: Summers Day
B) Sonnet 116: Marriage of True Minds
C) Sonnet 130: My Mistress

For Class 3: Read
A) Sonnet 87: Farewell Thou Art too Beautiful
B)Sonnet 29: When in disgrace
C) One sonnet of your choice (not found on the syllabus) 

For Class 4: Read
A) Sonnet 149: Cans't Thou, O Cruel
B) Sonnet 132: Thine Eyes I love
C) Sonnet 71: No Longer Mourn for Me
D) Sonnet 76: Why Is My Verse So Barren?

For Class 5: Complete a project and be prepared to present
Project Options: 
1) write a sonnet of your own to share with the class
2) Draw a picture to depict the themes of one of Shakespeare's sonnets (identify the sonnet by number under your drawing). Explain to the class why you drew the images you chose and how they relate to the sonnet chosen.
4)Come up with your own project idea. Your project will need to be approved by the teacher. Email the teacher your idea by the 4th class.