To Be or Not to Be: A Character Analysis of Shakespeare's Hamlet

In this class, students will read, study, and analyze William Shakespeare's play Hamlet. Each week, prior to class, students will be required to read a specific segment of Hamlet to discuss and analyze in that week's class.  The students will be asked to take notes over the plot and characters in the play. By the end of class, students will have written a three to five-page character analysis of one of the characters in the play. Students will have a choice of characters they prefer to write about. However, two or multiple students cannot select the same character. 
In week one of this class, students will study Act One of Hamlet. Students should come to class prepared, having read Act One and should be prepared to discuss and take notes over the plot and characters in this act. 
In week two of class, students will study Act Two of Hamlet. Again, students should be ready to discuss and take notes over this act in class. They will have read Act Two prior to coming to class.  
In week three, students should have read Act Three of Hamlet prior to class. We will discuss and take notes about this act during class time.  
In week four, learners will have read Act Four of Hamlet and should be prepared to study and take notes over this act during class time. 
In week five, we will study and discuss the final act of Hamlet. Students should come to class having read this act. We will discuss and take notes over Act Five during class time. 
In week six, we will spend class time discussing the character traits of the characters in the play. During this class, students will select a character about whom they would like to write their character analysis. Students will be asked to select their top three choices to ensure that everyone gets one of their favorite characters.  We will spend whatever class time is left, discussing how to begin a character analysis essay. We will focus on outlining. Students will be taught how to outline an essay by focusing on specific traits and actions of the characters in Hamlet. After class time, if students would like to submit their outline, via the Outschool portal, for review, I will read it and offer helpful suggestions prior to week seven's class.
In week seven, students will be taught how to write a three to five-page character analysis essay. This class will focus on how to structure the essay and cite sources according to MLA format. We will touch on proper grammar. They will be taught how to follow their outline to help structure their essays. Students will have time to begin writing their rough drafts and ask questions after the teaching period. After class time, students will be able to submit their rough drafts to me via the Outschool portal. I will check and review and offer suggestions prior to week eight's class. Students will be presenting their final essays in week eight. Therefore, I recommend students submit rough drafts toward the middle of the week. This will allow plenty of time for them to make any revisions prior to week eight's class. 
In week eight, students will present their character analysis essays. If students do not feel comfortable reading in front of the class, they can make arrangements to have me read their essays.  This class will focus on student essays and discussion of the character analyses.  
 I will teach this class through discussion and PowerPoint presentations. I teach through interaction with the students and their interaction with each other. Discussion is of utmost importance. I believe students learn best when they enjoy what they are learning and when the learning environment promotes discussion. Learners should come to class prepared to think about the plot of and characters in Hamlet, to write about their observations, and to have fun in class. Shakespearean plays can seem intimidating, but with careful observation and discussion, studying them can be an enjoyable experience.