Thurs. Jan. 22, 2015: Hamlet Act 5

Today, we read up to Act 5, Scene 2, line 55 of Hamlet. We will finish this play tomorrow. Keep in mind that your final is on Monday at 9:00. Be here 10 to 15 minutes earlier.

Wed. Jan. 21, 2014: Hamlet: Act 4, Scene 5

Today, we got up to Act 4, Scene 5, line 152. At this point, the king has asked Laertes if he's out to hurt everyone or just the person who did him wrong (killed his father).
I stopped early to remind you that your cheat sheets for the final are due by the end of the day today.

Tues. Jan. 20, 2015: Hamlet Act 4

Today, we finished viewing up to the end of Act three of Hamlet. We then discussed the differences. We then read up to Act 4, Scene 2 of the play (Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are searching for Hamlet and the body of Polonius while Claudius is figuring out how to get out of being implicated for this).
I reminded students that their cheat sheet and dictionary need to be in to me by the end of the day tomorrow. I will only accept point form cheat sheets.

Mon. Jan. 19, 2015: Hamlet Film

Today, you watched the first 55:36 minutes of the feature film, Hamlet, starring Mel Gibson. Your task was to view actively, looking for differences between the text and the film (and also to get a handle on the plot). If you were absent, you can come in at lunch and watch it.

Fri. Jan. 16, 2015: Hamlet Reading

Today, we read up to Act Three, Scene 4 of Hamlet (page 92).  In an effort to ensure that we get through it in a timely fashion, we will switch to viewing it on Monday. We have already addressed most of the political references and most of the religious ones. I will stop the film and we will read these as they appear.
You were also presented with a list of minor and major works studied in this class. If you were not here, refer back on this blog and create your own. I have also put a copy of it in the portfolios of students who are absent.

Wed. Jan. 14, 2015: Hamlet

Today we got up to Act 3, scene 2, line 72, page 75 of the text Hamlet. We are at the point where Hamlet has just told Horatio what a good friend he is and is about to tell him what will occur at the play.

Thurs. Jan. 15, 2015: Test Prep

Today, I explained what will be on the final. If you were not here, it is imperative that you come and see me. I have provided the question for one of the two essays and am allowing a cheat sheet, but there are conditions and there is a deadline for submission (next Wednesday).

Tues. Jan. 13, 2015: Hamlet: Act II

Today, we began to read Act II of Hamlet.  We got up to Act II, Scene 2, line 358 (the end of page 54 in the text).

Tues. Jan. 13, 2015: Hamlet

Today, we completed reading Hamlet, Act I.

Fri. Jan. 9, 2015: Hamlet

Today, we started reading Hamlet. We got to Act I, scene 2, page 15 (line 175). We ended during the conversation between Hamlet and Horatio (Horatio is meeting up with Hamlet to tell him about the ghost siting).

Thurs. Jan. 8, 2015: Shakespeare Intro. Cont.

Today, a number of you still needed to finish answering the questions given yesterday or finish the preamble readings from the text (Hamlet). I allowed time for this. Once finished, you were instructed to read Act I, scene 1 in preparation for tomorrow's class. I want you to get a feel for how difficult these texts are to just simply "read". It impacts comprehension.

Wed. Jan. 7, 2015: Hamlet Intro. and Reading/questions

Today, I gave you a bit more information about why Shakespearean plays were enjoyable in their time (I also explained that I would try to bridge the reading so that it is enjoyable today).
You were then given a reading and questions to answer for tomorrow's class. If you were not here, it is in your portfolio.

Tues. Jan. 6, 2015: Hamlet Introduction

Today, I reviewed the expository information about the Shakespearean play Hamlet. The notes were visual maps and were presented as such on the board. If you were not here, photocopy a classmates or see me for a summary.

Mon. Jan. 5, 2015: Ind. Novel test and submission of assignment

Today, you were to hand in your independent novel study. You were then given an exam to determine understanding of the novel, the ability to communicate this understanding in a shortened essay form (9-12 sentences) and demonstrate reading comprehension skills.
You were then instructed to go down to the library and take out the text Hamlet. You are then to read all the information preceding the play itself (you can skip the commentary section).