Digital Unit Plan Template

Unit Title: Hamlet

Name: Jayson Martinez

Content Area: English / Language Arts

Grade Level: 11-12

CA Content Standard(s)/Common Core Standard(s):

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as
inferences drawn from the text, including determining where the text leaves matters uncertain.

CCSS. ELA-Literacy. RL. 11-12.2 Determine two or more themes or central ideas of a text and analyze their development over the course of
the text, including how they interact and build on one another to produce a complex account; provide an objective summary of the text.

CCSS. ELA-Literacy. RL. 11-12.4 Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and
connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language
that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. (Include Shakespeare as well as other authors.)

CCSS.ELA-Literacy. W. 11-12.1 Write arguments to support claims in an analysis of substantive topics or texts, texts, using valid reasoning and
relevant and sufficient evidence. using valid reasoning and relevant and sufficient evidence

CCSS.ELA-Literacy. SL. 11-12.1 Initiate and participate effectively in a range of collaborative discussions (one-on- one, in groups, and teacherled) with diverse partners on grades 1112 topics, texts, and issues, building on others ideas and expressing their own clearly and
persuasively

Big Ideas/Unit Goals:

Students will ascertain the language, themes, and various character complexities exhibited through Shakespearian text.
How does literature reflect our own reality?

What is madness and are there any characters in Hamlet that are truly mad

In large part the play deals with a cycle of revenge, what does this tell us about the subject? What do we learn of forgiveness?

Unit Summary:

As the late-great Kanye West once said, William Shakespeare had one of the best plays of all time, one of the best plays of all time!. Okay,
perhaps he didnt say that when he interrupted Taylor Swift, nor was he even referring to Hamlet by any means, also Kanye is not dead. Nonetheless,
Shakespeares Hamlet remains to be one of the greatest literary pieces of all time (of all time). I speak of one of the most complex plays ever to be
written; from family quarrels to mental illness, Hamlet is teeming with infinite insight, this unit will plan will make the literary piece more feasible,

pleasurable and any other -able for students. These young scholars shall face three trials of intellect, encompassing Gossip Groups, a written
paper, and a breath-taking, astonishingly-spectacular, performance to be performed before their colleagues. Through the examination of the various
themes, characters and language, students will gain an appreciation for this timeless text, and from it better themselves both personally and
academically.

Assessment Plan:
Entry-Level:
An introductory survey for the purposes of
ascertaining the level of student familiarity with
Shakespeare as well as their gauge own
confidence in writing and public speaking.

Lesson 1
Student Learning
Objective:
Students will ascertain
the language, themes,
and various character
complexities
exhibited through
Shakespearian text.

Lesson 2

Formative:

Summative:

Students will keep a written journal cataloguing

their own thoughts and feelings as they read the
text. Through Concept maps students will map
out themes and characters as they progress
throughout the reading. Daily quizzes following
an assigned reading will assess their level of
understanding followed by group discussions
(later expanding to class discussions) to further
expand on ideas.

Students will compose an argumentative essay

based on a prompt of their choosing or one of
their own creation. Students will then compose a
collaborative skit based touching upon the
themes discussed in class.

Acceptable Evidence
(Assessments):
Written journals and
concept maps will detail
the various ideas students
derive from the text as
well any confusion they
encounter while reading.
Quizzes will not only
ensure the reading
completed but also gauge
their ability to understand
Shakespearian language.

Lesson Activities:
As students read Hamlet Students will write down thoughts and ideas about the plot,
characters and themes. Along with their insight and understandings, students will note any
difficulties they encounter as they read. This may include words, plot points or even course of
action. In addition to these written journals, students will construct concept maps detailing the
progression of characters and themes throughout the play. Students will not only note how
these characters evolve but also how various themes may intertwine and interact. Each day in
class students will undergo a miniature examination based on the previous nights reading.
Quizzes will not only include questions about the plot but also questions that will test the
students ability to think critically. Class discussion will begin in small groups where they will
each converse over ideas and areas of difficulty. These groups will then open up to the
classroom where each member of the group will discuss any single idea they have covered.

Student Learning
Objective:
Students will compose
thorough and valid
arguments through
extensive research
and analysis of
assigned readings
and outside scholarly
works.
Lesson 3
Student Learning
Objective:
Students will acquire
the ability to
communicate
efficiently and
effectively under the
observation of a
broad and diverse
audience.

Acceptable Evidence:

Lesson Activities:

Using the webercise

created for the class,
students will conduct a
scavenger hunt for tips
and ideas on research
and writing a strong
argumentative paper. By
the end of Hamlet
students will compose their
own argumentative
paper.

Through the webercise students will undergo a scavenger hunt for the purposes of collecting
various tips and guidelines for composing an effective argumentative paper. The webercise
will include ideas on how to properly search for academic papers, journals or other scholarly
works to better supplement their workd. Students will also learn on the various ways to
provide in-text citations so that they may avoid plagiarism while at the same time providing
the reader with authoritative knowledge. In addition, students will also learn tips for building
strong arguments for their papers. After reading Hamlet students will be tasked with
composing their own argumentative paper based on their comprehension of the play. As they
write their essays, students will undergo several peer reviews as well as one on one meetings
with the teacher to insure that their papers are headed in the right direction.

Acceptable Evidence:

Lesson Activities:

Students will complete a

collaborative skit.

After writing their argumentative paper students will have extensive knowledge on the subject
of Hamlet and use said knowledge to create a skit alongside their classmates. Students will
collaborate on a presentation that not only engages the audience but explores themes we
have discussed within the classroom. As they work together on this project, students will learn
about public speaking to help alleviate any anxiety that may coincide with the project.
Students will learn to project their voice as well as set a proper pace so that the audience
may better follow along. By the day of presentation students will have a number of tools at
their disposal to aid them in their performance.

Unit Resources:
Hamlet: A copy of the Shakespearian play
Webercise: created to supplement student knowledge on proper citation and effective research strategies
Graphic Organizer: A guide to aid students in effectively mapping out their arguments
Journal: To keep track of events, characters, and themes with in Hamlet as we progress through the play
Speare: An online interactive game to help further understanding of Hamlet
What Is Plagiarism And How To Avoid It: A video on the perils of plagiarism, and tips to avoid it

Useful Websites:

Google Scholar: An information highway offering a varitey of articles in plentiful volumes

BASE: A vast and meticulous academic search engine for the purpose of your service.
Shakespeare's Words: A meticulous site for the understanding of Shakesperian works.
Google Documents: Papers, spreadsheets, slides and forms, a universal cloud for your works galore
Diigo: A wonderous work of wonder allowing you save and annotate your references as you proceed
LiveBinders: A professional devices for the purposes of organizing and sharing your scholarly sources
Citeulike: For the purpose of discovering, sharing, and storing your sources as you build your arsenal of information
Purdue Owl: An immense forest rooted in the art of proper citation.
KnighteCite: Aiding students in the endless battle of proper citation.