Othello - A Shakespearean Play
In this 8-week course, students will read Othello by William Shakespeare in class together through a read-aloud while diving into the language, poetry, character relationships, and historical significance of the play.
Kaitlyn Fischer: Close-Reading Specialist
Average rating:
5.0
Number of reviews:(967)
Star Educator
Popular
What's included
8 live meetings
5 hrs 20 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
Overcome with jealousy and anger, Iago sets out to claim a promotion of power in General Othello's army by plotting against those in the most powerful positions. By manipulating the men and women around him, Iago's evil plot goes unnoticed for far too long. By using the complicated and intimate relationships of Othello, Desdemona, Cassio, Roderigo, and more, Iago's plot unfolds in this jealous-filled and action-packed tragedy. 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)8 Lessons
over 8 WeeksLesson 1:
Introduction to Othello
- Introduction to the Play and Author
- Shakespearean Language
- History and Cultural Significance
- Read Aloud Practice 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 2:
Act I
- Read Aloud from Act One
- Discussion of the Story and Language
- Characters of the Play and Conflict
- Roderigo, Iago, Brabantio, and Emilia
- Othello (The Moor), Desdemona, and Cassio
- Tips and Tricks for Reading 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 3:
Act I
- Motives, Plots, and Backgrounds
- Roderigo, Iago, Brabantio, and Emilia
- Othello (The Moor), Desdemona, and Cassio 40 mins online live lesson
Lesson 4:
Act I - Act II
- Motives, Plots, and Backgrounds Continued
- Roderigo, Iago, Brabantio, and Emilia
- Othello (The Moor), Desdemona, and Cassio 40 mins online live lesson
Other Details
Parental Guidance
While there is no Common Sense Media parental review for the play, here is a breakdown of some topics to be aware of within the play.
Slurs, negative depictions, and/or mistreatment of people that are harmful and wrong. Outschool is an inclusive platform and it is our goal to bar and eliminate discrimination and prejudice. The play can be quite intense and also has violence, mild mentions of sexuality, and other topics which can be intense. Please make sure to be aware of the topics so that you can make an informed decision. And please let me know if you have any questions!
Supply List
Amazon: Recommended Copies Folger’s Copy: https://a.co/d/5a09rWb No Fear Shakespeare: https://a.co/d/arNltzr Folder’s PDF: https://www.folger.edu/explore/shakespeares-works/othello/read/ https://drive.google.com/file/d/15PWMFgdbK2VxA1tHy6XC3P4FJoiDT_ZX/view?usp=sharing
External Resources
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Joined January, 2020
5.0
967reviews
Star Educator
Popular
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
Macbeth:
- https://outschool.com/classes/macbeth-by-william-shakespeare-hjwbis01?usid=l0R3fRwf&signup=true&utm_campaign=share_activity_linkReviews
Live Group Course
$17
weekly or $130 for 8 classes1x per week, 8 weeks
40 min
Completed by 4 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 12-15
2-6 learners per class
