Portland Waldorf High School 11th Grade Humanities

Christopher Zinn September 3 October 31, 2014

christopher.zinn@portlandwaldorf.org

Shakespeares Hamlet

the plays the thing

As we explore our own individuality as part of our studies in the Junior year, Hamlet offers us one of the
rst examples of modern consciousness, the emergence of the modern self. Written between 1599 and
1601, and rst published in 1603, Hamlet is Shakespeares longest and one of his most frequently
performed plays. For generations of readers and theatergoers, from Shakespeares time to our own, it has
been regarded as one of the greatest literary works in English and a masterpiece of world literature.

In this course, we will read, study, discuss, write about, and interpret Hamlet. Through these activities,
we will

become familiar with the text of the playits language, plot, action, and characters
become conversant with the themes and ideas examined in the play
become knowledgeable about the theater in Shakespeares time
become adept at literary interpretationthe close scrutiny and analysis of literary language and form
develop our skills in analytic and argumentative writing and exposition
develop our abilities in oral and dramatic interpretation
understand Hamlet as a work of art
enjoy working with each other

Requirements

Participation (25%) You will participate fully and conscientiously in class reading, discussion, and
activities. You are expected to be focused and prepared for class each day, and to participate generously
with your classmates.

Assignments (25%) You will complete and hand in promptly all weekly writing assignments
(including short essays and worksheets) and complete quizzes at the scheduled times.

Performance (25%) Working with other students in small groups, you will prepare and present two
scenes from the play. Guidelines and sign-up information will be provided.

Essay (25%) You will learn how to develop a topic related to the interpretation and
understanding of the play and examine this topic in a 3-5 page interpretive essay, including both a rst
and nal draft.

Academic deadlines and requirements: All deadlines are nal, no exceptions. Failure to meet these
requirements will result in a signicantly lowered grade. The only exceptions to these requirements are
those outlined in the policy on academic assignments and deadlines, which is quoted at the end of this
sullabus. Remember that much of our work in this class is collaborative. If you are not prepared for
class, you affect the ability of other students to participate and to complete their work. Please complete
your work on time!

Hamlet Schedule

Week One September 4-5 Introduction: what we will read and how

Outdoor Week September 8-12 No class

Week Two September 15-19 Class reading of Hamlet, Acts I III
Focus: Shakespeares language

Week Three September 22-26 Class reading of Hamlet, Acts III V
Focus: Shakespeares plot and characters

Week Four Sept. 29-Oct. 3 Interpreting Hamlet
Focus: developing your essay topic

Week Five October 6-10 Interpreting Hamlet
Focus: developing your scenes

Week Six October 13-17 Interpreting Hamlet
Focus: Preparing and completing rst draft of essay (due Friday, October 17)

Week Seven October 20-24 Interpreting Hamlet
Focus: First performances of scenes (all scenes must be ready for performance by
Monday, October 20)

Week Eight October 27-31 Last acts
Final performances of scenes (all scenes must be ready for performance by Monday,
October 27)
Essay nal draft due Wednesday, October 29

HS policy on academic deadlines
Homework, daily assignments, projects, major assignments, and main lesson books are among the ways in which students explore subjects and
develop their knowledge and skills. Student work is evaluated and graded in order to provide students, parents, and teachers with an accurate
picture of students progress, accomplishments, and challenges. Each student at PWHS is therefore expected to complete assignments and hand
in work on time. Deadlines and other requirements for assignments and homework are not discretionary or suggested, but requirements that the
student is expected to fulll without exception, whether it is a daily homework, a major project, or a main lesson book deadline. Information
about the assignments and requirements and deadlines for each class will be described in the syllabus for that class. Failure to meet these
deadlines and to fulll these requirements will result in lowered or failing grades for the assignment.

The faculty also recognize that there are instances where external circumstances (family emergency, medical problems) cause a student to be
absent and/or prevent a student from completing an assignment on time. In such cases, there are clear procedures to follow. If a student is absent
and unable to turn in a minor assignment (daily homework), he or she should consult the course syllabus for directions about handing in
assignments and homework late. Be sure to communicate directly and promptly with the teacher, following the directions on the syllabus.
However, late work for major assignments (including but not limited to longer papers, projects, presentations, main lesson books) will not be
accepted without prior permission from the teacher. Permission must be requested in writing at least 48 hours in advance of the deadline. This
permission can not be granted except for signicant reasons including (but not limited to) student illness (with parental notication) or family
emergency (with parental notication). Failure to meet these requirements will result in a lowered or failing grade for the class. If there is any
uncertainty about the policy, it is the students responsibility to ask the teacher for clarity and direction prior to the deadline.

All formal requests for extensions will be reported to and reviewed by the students academic advisor and the student assistance coordinator. If
there is a pattern of late and incomplete work, further action to support the student may be called for.