Macbeth by William Shakespeare
What's included
7 live meetings
5 hrs 15 mins in-class hoursHomework
1 hour per week. Students will be asked to complete some of their reading outside of class. If some of our writing work is unfinished after class, students will be asked to complete that work outside of class as well. But the majority of work will be completed in class.Assessment
Students will be given the option of several formal writing assignments throughout the semester. While these are not tests, per se, they can be used as assessment pieces for homeschooling evidence, which many states and countries require. All formal writing in my class will be completed with multiple rounds of written and verbal feedback. Students will have the opportunity to work through their writing skills as a group and 1-1 with me in class!Grading
Grading - Students will have the opportunity to receive a grade in the form of their choosing.I am happy to provide a grade in the form of a percentage, letter, or both. I can also offer a formal letter for submission to state programs. I ask students throughout the semester about their needs for grading and am happy to work with parents to create a plan that meets their needs! Please note that Grading is NOT required.Class Experience
US Grade 8 - 10
When three witches prophecize that Macbeth, a Scottish general, will become king of Scotland, Macbeth's wife convinces him to turn to violence. Follow Shakespeare's famous play of murder, deception, political ambition, and the unraveling of a nation as civil war breaks out as a result of Macbeth's actions! In this course, we will take the opportunity to read the play together (both in class as a read-aloud and outside of class as independent reading). I firmly believe that Shakespeare should be read together in a class format because it gives us a chance to practice language; dive into the story, characters, and relationships; learn about the cultural and historical significance of the play; and more! Join us for this class and see Shakespeare in a way that you have never seen before! Below is a weekly schedule that our class will be following. It is flexible as student conversation, interests, and needs will often dictate our conversations and Socratic discussions. Let me know if you have questions about them! After the course is over, students will have the opportunity to do a follow-up essay using multiple prompts of the student's choice. Prompts will be provided to students upon request!
Learning Goals
Students will be able to identify, analyze, or apply the following concepts:
- Character Development
- Conflict
- Theme
- Symbolism
- Examine Shakespearean Language
- Read Aloud
- Translate/Transcribe the Play
Syllabus
Curriculum
Follows Teacher-Created CurriculumStandards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)7 Lessons
over 7 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction
- Introduction to the Play and Author
- Shakespearean Language
- History and Cultural Significance
- Read Aloud Practice
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Act One
- Read Aloud from Act One
- Discussion of the Story and Language
- Characters of the Play and Conflict
- The Influence of Lady Macbeth
- Tips and Tricks for Reading
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Act One Continued
- Read Aloud from Act One
- Discussion of the Story and Language
- Titles of Leadership and Characteristics
- Historical and Cultural Aspects of the Play
- Tips and Tricks for Reading
45 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Act Two
- The Famous Balcony Scene
- Solilqueys vs. Monologues
- Common Play Elements
- Plots and Plans and Role Players
- Roles of Mentors and Mentees
45 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
Here is the Common Sense Media Review for the play. Please review and let me know if you have any questions or concerns! Note that this is for the movie and not the play, but the violence that is within the play is expressed clearly in this parental view and is something that we will address in class.
- https://www.commonsensemedia.org/movie-reviews/the-tragedy-of-macbeth
Supply List
Students will be asked to get a copy of the play. While there are many versions out there, this is the one that I recommend the most: Folger: https://www.amazon.com/Macbeth-Folger-Shakespeare-Library-William/dp/0743477103/ref=sr_1_3?crid=1NI7HA5797SN8&keywords=macbeth&qid=1695265461&sprefix=macbeth%2Caps%2C517&sr=8-3 No Fear Shakespeare: https://www.amazon.com/Macbeth-No-Fear-Shakespeare-William/dp/1586638467/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1NI7HA5797SN8&keywords=macbeth&qid=1695265461&sprefix=macbeth%2Caps%2C517&sr=8-5
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Teacher expertise and credentials
Colorado Teaching Certificate in Secondary Education
I have been teaching professionally for over 10 years in both Missouri and Colorado. I have been on Outschool for over three years and can provide links to classes where I teach the concepts of this semester-long class so you can look through them and look at the reviews to see how other parents and students have reacted to my courses. I am happy to answer any questions that you have!
Shakespearean Course:
- https://outschool.com/classes/high-school-english-a-semester-aSOujVyl?usid=l0R3fRwf&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link
Classic Literature - A Novel Study (A course where students choose the novels we read)
- https://outschool.com/classes/classic-literature-novel-study-V9NC71b3?usid=l0R3fRwf&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link
Romeo and Juliet:
- https://outschool.com/classes/romeo-and-juliet-a-shakespearean-play-novel-study-of-romance-and-tragedy-FgcPqCYI?usid=l0R3fRwf&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_link
Reviews
Live Group Course
$18
weekly or $120 for 7 classes1x per week, 7 weeks
45 min
Completed by 3 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-15
2-6 learners per class