The Play's the Thing: Shakespeare's Hamlet
Maureen Tobin
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(181)
This 12-week course will go deep as we read and discuss Hamlet together.
Class experience
US Grade 8 - 11
Scheduling Note: This class can be requested as a once OR twice a week class. William Shakespeare's Hamlet has so permeated every corner of our culture that in some ways, it’s become nearly invisible. Many people are aware that it’s the source of The Lion King and is repeatedly referenced (and argued about) in the Star Trek universe. Maybe fewer people are aware of the Hamlet references in SpongeBob SquarePants, The Empire Strikes Back, Coraline, and Witcher 3 (the game). But that’s just...
Students will grow their knowledge and understanding of Shakespeare's Hamlet, gaining skills that will carry over to all of Shakespeare's plays. Students will be able to explain the difference between a soliloquy and a monologue. Students will gain confidence in reading aloud. While this is not an acting class, students will be encouraged to convey character as they become more comfortable with the language. Students will demonstrate learning through classroom participation (reading and discussion) and in the completion of a final project.
Homework Offered
Students will not be required to read the play outside of class, but are encouraged to share their journal responses to class discussions and to the scenes they have read in class. Students will create a final project from a supplied list of possible projects or, alternatively, they can propose projects of their own.0 - 1 hours per week outside of class
Assessments Offered
A class grade can be provided on request. There are no formal assessments.Grades Offered
We will be using the Folger Shakespeare Library text. There are many formats available for free download, but please be sure to select a version, like the PDF, that has line numbers. Free Download here: https://shakespeare.folger.edu/shakespeares-works/hamlet/download/ If you would like a solid book with great footnotes, you can buy the Folger paperback edition here: or, if your town still has an independent brick and mortar store, do give them your business. Students should also have a notebook dedicated to this class. Done well, this notebook can be a resource for future Shakespeare courses.
Learners will not need to use any apps or websites beyond the standard Outschool tools.
Hamlet contains some sensitive material related to suicide, misogyny, and murder. These will be openly discussed as they arise.
We will use the Folger Library edition (free download): https://shakespeare.folger.edu/shakespeares-works/hamlet/download/ Or you can purchase the hardcopy here: https://bookshop.org/books/hamlet-9780007902347/9780743477123
Average rating:5.0Number of reviews:(181)
A retired English teacher, I hold an MFA in Creative Writing and a bachelor's degree in Language Arts Education from the University of Nebraska at Omaha. I currently work as a reading and writing coach for students of all ages. (Continued below...
Group Class
$25
weekly or $300 for 12 classes1x per week, 12 weeks
75 min
Completed by 11 learners
Live video meetings
Ages: 13-18
2-9 learners per class
