Literature Lesson Plans - Sykalo Eugen 2024
Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare
Subject: Drama (Shakespeare) Grade Level: 9-12 Time Allotment: This lesson plan is designed for a unit of 4-6 weeks, with daily reading assignments, class activities, and discussions.
Learning Objectives:
- Students will gain a deeper understanding of Shakespearean language, dramatic techniques, and historical context.
- Students will analyze the motivations and actions of major characters, particularly Caesar, Brutus, and Cassius.
- Students will explore themes of power, ambition, betrayal, and the nature of leadership.
- Students will develop critical thinking skills by analyzing persuasive speeches and arguments.
Materials:
- Copies of "Julius Caesar" by William Shakespeare (annotated versions can be helpful)
- Whiteboard/Projector
- Markers/Pens
- Chart paper
- Handouts with glossary of Shakespearean terms, scene summaries, and discussion prompts.
Lesson Outline:
Week 1: Introduction & Setting the Stage
- Introduction (Day 1):
✵ Introduce William Shakespeare and the historical context of the play (fall of the Roman Republic).
✵ Briefly discuss the play's genre (tragedy) and its major characters.
✵ Class discussion: What are some characteristics of a tragic hero?
- Act I: The Celebration & Foreshadowing (Day 2-3):
✵ Students read Act I, focusing on the celebration for Caesar's victory and Cassius' attempts to manipulate Brutus.
✵ Class discussion: Analyze foreshadowing elements in the soothsayer's warnings and Calpurnia's dream.
✵ Identify dramatic techniques like soliloquies and asides.
Week 2: The Conspiracy & The Power of Speeches
- Act II: The Assassination Plot (Day 4-5):
✵ Students explore Act II, focusing on the development of the conspiracy against Caesar.
✵ Class discussion: Analyze Brutus' motivations for joining the conspiracy.
✵ Compare and contrast the persuasive speeches of Cassius and Brutus in recruiting others.
- Act III: The Assassination & Caesar's Last Words (Day 6-7):
✵ Students read Act III, focusing on the assassination of Caesar and his famous last words ("Et tu, Brute?").
✵ Class discussion: Analyze the dramatic irony and emotional impact of the assassination scene.
✵ Explore the significance of Caesar's final words to Brutus.
Week 3: The Aftermath & The Rise of Conflict
- Act IV: Mark Antony's Eulogy & Public Outcry (Day 8-9):
✵ Students delve into Act IV, focusing on Mark Antony's powerful eulogy and the public's reaction.
✵ Class discussion: Analyze the effectiveness of Antony's speech and its manipulation of emotions.
✵ Explore the growing conflict between Antony and the conspirators.
- Act V: The Fall of the Conspirators (Day 10-11):
✵ Students read Act V, focusing on the final battles and the tragic ends of Brutus and Cassius.
✵ Class discussion: Analyze the consequences of the conspirators' actions and their tragic flaws.
✵ Discuss the play's themes of power, ambition, and the cyclical nature of violence.
Week 4 & 5 (Optional):
- Shakespearean Performance & Modern Adaptations (Day 12-13):
✵ (Optional) Research and discuss different theatrical productions of "Julius Caesar."
✵ Explore how modern adaptations of the play might change the audience's perspective.
- Themes & Legacy (Day 14-15):
✵ Class discussion: Reflect on the play's enduring themes and their relevance to contemporary society.
✵ How does "Julius Caesar" continue to be a powerful exploration of leadership, betrayal, and the human condition?
Assessment:
- Class participation in discussions and presentations
- Close reading annotations and analysis worksheets completed for each act
- Written assignments analyzing characters, themes, and dramatic devices (e.g., essays, character profiles)
- Optional: Performance or creative project based on a scene from the play
Differentiation:
- Provide scaffolding for struggling readers by offering scene summaries, annotated versions of the text, or audiobooks.
- Challenge advanced students with research on Roman history or in-depth analysis of Shakespearean language.
- Kinesthetic learners can benefit from activities like role-playing key scenes or creating tableaux vivants (living pictures) depicting pivotal moments.
Extension Activities:
- Compare and contrast the play with a film adaptation.
- Research the life and legacy of Julius Caesar.