Course Goal
The goal of this course is to introduce students to the play Macbeth by William Shakespeare and help them develop their understanding and appreciation of the literary elements, themes, and characters presented in the play. Additionally, this course aims to improve students' reading and analytical skills, as well as their ability to write critical and creative responses to texts.
Course Aims
- To develop an understanding of the plot, characters, themes, and literary techniques used in Macbeth
- To analyze and interpret different elements of the play including its language, structure, and style
- To improve students' critical reading skills
- To improve students' analytical writing skills
- To encourage creative thinking and writing
- To provide opportunities for class discussion, collaborative learning and peer assessment
Lesson Plan
Module 1: Introduction to Macbeth
- Lesson 1: Course introduction and Expectations
- Lesson 2: Introduction to Shakespearean plays and context of Macbeth
- Lesson 3: Macbeth Background and historical context
- Lesson 4: Dramatic Structure and plot of Macbeth
Module 2: Characters in Macbeth
- Lesson 5: Introduction to Macbeth’s main characters: protagonist and antagonist
- Lesson 6: Analysis of Lady Macbeth character
- Lesson 7: Analysis of Macbeth’s character
- Lesson 8: Analysis of Banquo and other minor characters
Module 3: Themes in Macbeth
- Lesson 9: Major themes and motifs in the play
- Lesson 10: Analysis of Manifestation of guilt in the play
- Lesson 11: Theme of Ambition and Power
- Lesson 12: Theme of Appearance vs Reality
Module 4: Language and style in Macbeth
- Lesson 13: Introduction to Language and Style in Macbeth
- Lesson 14: Analysis of iambic pentameter and Blank verse
- Lesson 15: Exploration of figures of speech and rhetorical devices
- Lesson 16: Shakespearean language: Vocabulary and Syntax
Module 5: Critical Analysis of Macbeth
- Lesson 17: Critical reviews and analyses of Macbeth
- Lesson 18: The role of Gender in Macbeth
- Lesson 19: The role of Supernatural in Macbeth
- Lesson 20: The role of Irony and Symbolism in Macbeth
Module 6: Adaptations and Interpretations of Macbeth
- Lesson 21: Adaptations of Macbeth through various media
- Lesson 22: Analysis of Macbeth film adaptations
- Lesson 23: Creative writing: Writing Macbeth-inspired short story
- Lesson 24: Comparison of Macbeth to another Shakespeare’s play
Module 7: Final assessment
- Lesson 25-28: Preparation for the final assessment through essay writing and practice
- Lesson 29: Peer assessment and feedback
- Lesson 30: Final assessment
Conclusion
By the end of this course, students will have gained an in-depth understanding of Macbeth, developed critical reading and analytical skills, and honed their written communication abilities through essays and creative writing assignments. They will have been inspired to think more deeply about the themes presented in the play and how they relate to their own personal experiences, and will have learned how to critically analyze Shakespearean language and style.