Shakespeare and Star Wars
Using self-paced online activities, your child(ren) will compare the plot and characters of Star Wars to Shakespeare's plays. We will also discuss Shakespeare writing by looking at "William Shakespeare's Star Wars" by Ian Doescher.
Paul H. The Shakespearean Student
Average rating:
4.8
Number of reviews:(52)
What's included
10 pre-recorded lessons
2 weeks
of teacher support1 year access
to the contentClass Experience
US Grade 7 - 10
The main purpose of this class is to build an understanding of English literature by comparing it to Star Wars. We will cover the similar plot elements, archetypal characters, Course organization (the class is divided into 6 parts that students can complete at their own pace over a week-long period.
Learning Goals
1. To teach about the characters and plot of Shakespeare plays like "Hamlet," "Henry V," "Richard III," and "Much Ado About Nothing," by comparing them to Star Wars
2. To introduce the concept of archetypes, tropes, and the concept of the monomyth, essential ingredients of modern storytelling.
3. To explain Shakespearean verse and wordplay by dissecting the play "William Shakespeare's Star Wars" by Ian Doescher.
Syllabus
Standards
Aligned with Common Core State Standards (CCSS)6 Units
10 Lessons
over 2 WeeksUnit 1: How Is Shakespeare Like Star Wars?
Lesson 1:
Setting the Scene
You will learn the characters and plot of several Shakespeare Plays by comparing them to Star Wars Lesson 2:
Han and Leia- Much Ado About Star Wars
You'll see the parallels between Han and Leia and the characters in Shakespeare's "Much Ado About Nothing." Unit 2: Unit 2- The Prequels and Shakespeare’s Histories
Lesson 3:
A Crash Course in Shakespeare’s Histories
We'll look at Shakespeare's history plays, which helped inspire Game of Thrones, House of Cards, Empire, and of course, the Star Wars prequels. Lesson 4:
The Rise of Palpatine/ Richard III
Trace the rise of the greatest villains in Shakespeare and Star Wars and how they obtained ultimate power. Other Details
Supply List
Two short handouts will be provided.
External Resources
In addition to the Outschool classroom, this class uses:
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 am a professional Shakespearean scholar with years of experience as an actor, text coach, and digital content creator. I have won awards for my work on "Romeo and Juliet." In addition, I have played the Shakespearean roles of Macbeth," Florizel, Don John, and Cardinal Woolsey (among others).Reviews
Self-Paced Class
$6
weekly or $12 for all content10 pre-recorded lessons
2 weeks of teacher support
Choose your start date
1 year of access to the content
Completed by 2 learners
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Ages: 13-17
