English 4UI: “Hamlet” Summative Seminars Task: Present a 20 minute seminar based one of the topics below. Your seminar will consist of three parts: 1. Introduction - a LIVE dramatic performance that best reflects your topic (5 minutes) Select ONE of following options: - performing a scene or speech from the play – original or modern - writing and performing a modern skit (a talk show or news show) - create a series of tableaus (with titles) - perform a visual soliloquy 2. Body – Create a SUITABLE GRAPHIC ORGANIZER to convey information and insight about the topic – present an argument based on researched evidence (using the text of the play and perhaps, other sources) (13 minutes) 3. Conclusion –make a final statement about your topic and answer questions. (2 minutes) Topics – Maximum 3 students per topic 1. Tragedy and The Tragic Hero Read about Aristotle’s definition of Tragedy and The Tragic Hero. Is Hamlet a hero or not? Is Hamlet's death a tragic death? Support your points in the universe of the play. Look closely and critically at this topic and go beyond the obvious. 2. Portrayal of Women: both Gertrude and Ophelia are victims in this play. Agree or disagree. 3. Machiavellian Characters: Read about Niccolo Machiavelli and his writings in The Prince about leadership. Prove that both Hamlet and Claudius are Machiavellian characters. 4. Duality of Human Nature: Prove that Hamlet’s character is a reflection of the duality of human nature – good and evil 5. Theme of Death: Research Hamlet’s attitude toward death for at least 5 different moments in the play (soliloquy would be a starting point). Why does he feel the way he feels? Is his death inevitable? 6. Parallel Plots: Look at the issue of fathers and sons. Compare and contrast the three pairs. Why does Shakespeare create these three parallel sets for Hamlet? Look at the play as a whole. Look closely at individual lines. Develop a thesis, explore it, and connect it to the rest of the play. 7. Hamlet’s Character: Hamlet is a neurotic weakling, a hopeless procrastinator, a cynical eccentric, or a brooding introvert –or a combination of some or all of these. Prove. 8. Corrupt Society: Prove that words, images, and actions are used by Shakespeare to emphasize the corrupt society of Denmark 9. Character Foils: Research the definition of character foil. Prove that Shakespeare uses character foils effectively in this play. 10. Archetype: The image of a Fallen Eden is threaded throughout the play. Make comparisons between this biblical passage and the play. TIPS for your seminar: 1. You may research the topic in greater depth (remember to give credit your source during your presentation), but you should also provide your opinion on the topic. 2. Make sure that your graphic organizer is CLEAR, MEANINGFUL, READABLE FOR A LARGE AUDIENCE, and CREATIVE. 3. Read important speeches aloud for the class – practice your delivery! 4. All members must participate equally in the performance of the dramatic presentation AND the explanation of the graphic organizer. 5. Submit Group Planning Notes and a Works Cited (if other sources were used) on the day of presentation. Group planning notes must clearly indicate responsibilities and roles. Hamlet Seminars: Evaluation Name:___________________________________________ (Remember that even though you are working in a group you will Be evaluated on an INDIVIDUAL basis) Categories R Level 1 Limited Level 2 Some Level 3 Considerable Level 4 High degree Demonstrates limited knowledge of the play Demonstrates some knowledge of the play and/or research skills but only some analysis Demonstrates considerable knowledge of the play and or/ research skills; analysis is meaningful Demonstrates insightful knowledge of the play and/or research skills. Answers questions thoughtfully Limited engagement; performance does not relate to the topic Some effort to engage the audience; some relevance to the topic Engaging performance. Serves as a good introduction to the topic Limited organization; many parts unprepared Presentation is too long or too short Little or no evidence of preparation/ research Some organization; some evidence of preparation Shows some awareness of timing Notes/ works cited demonstrate some degree of preparation / research Considerable organization; considerable evidence of preparation Shows awareness of timing Notes/ Works cited demonstrate considerable degree of preparation/ research Highly creative and engaging performance. Serves as an excellent introduction to the topic Presentation is highly organized; smooth transitions; all members have equal speaking parts and are aware of their role Fully aware of timing Notes/ Works cited show a high degree of preparation / research Limited clarity and confidence Limited fluency Little or no effort to engage the audience Participation was limited Some clarity and confidence Some effort to use voice to engage the audience Some participation Considerable clarity and confidence Some effort to use voice and gestures to engage the audience Participated equally with other group members Extremely clear and confident Audience is completely engaged Participated equally or much more than other group members Reads exclusively from notes with little or no fluency or modulation Little or no effort to engage the audience Limited participation Reading is fluent but relies too heavily on notes; eye contact and body language shows some confidence Voice is heard with some clarity Some participation Fluent reading. Voice is clear and modulated Eye contact is effective. Body language is effective Participated equally with other group members Extremely fluent and professional Modulates voice Uses eye contact and body language to engage the audience Clearly teaches the class about the topic Participated equally or more than other group members Contributes to the success of the group with limited effectiveness Contributes to the success of the group with some effectiveness Contributes to the success of the group with considerable effectiveness Contributes to the success of the group with a high degree of effectiveness Visuals are difficult to follow Limited effort to engage the audience Visuals are informative but contain too much information Some effort to engage the audience Visuals are engaging and informative. Visuals serve to complement the topic Visuals are highly engaging, creative, and informative. Visuals are visible to all members of the class Visuals serve to complement the topic Knowledge and Understanding Content, themes, ideas of the play (understanding of the topic, support, conclusions, answers to questions) Thinking and Inquiry Creativity of dramatic presentation Preparation and planning Communication Oral Communication of ideas (performance) Oral Communication of ideas (presentation) Application - application of skills (face to face interaction, cooperation, use of time, reliability) (TEACHER OBSERVATION and PEER EVALUATION) Visual Communication of ideas (use of charts/webs/ diagrams/ props/ pictures) Hamlet Seminars: Group work and Presentation Evaluation Name:_____________ Working effectively and successfully within a group work situation involves meeting many criteria, some of which are listed below: - Use of class time Listening skills Cooperating Contributing ideas Recording ideas Preparing resources and visuals for presentation Attending group work sessions (in (and perhaps out of) class) Group Work Based on the criteria above, provide details about how you and each of your group members contributed to the preparation of this assignment. Yourself: _________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Member #1 : _______________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________________________ Member #2: _______________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ All members contributed equally to this assignment: Agree OR Disagree If you disagree, explain: ______________________________________________________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ Presentation 1. Overall which presentation was the strongest? ____________________ Why? ________________________ _________________________________________________________________________________________ 2. What aspects of your presentation were strong? ________________________________________________ 3. What areas, if any, could have used some improvement? _________________________________________