William Shakespeare:
Fact or Fiction?

Grade Level(s):  10

Subject(s):  English/Language Arts, Social Studies

Learner Outcomes:  The students will

learn the concept of the "Renaissance Man"
utilize the concept of the "Renaissance Man"
use the Internet
compile research concerning William Shakespeare

Duration of Lesson:  Three class periods (approximately 45-50 minutes each)

Materials:

paper and pencil for note taking and class work
overhead slide "Renaissance Man"
overhead pens
copies of the KWL worksheet
copies of the worksheet William Shakespeare:  A Biography Scavenger Hunt

Technology Tools/Courseware:

overhead projector
Internet

Teacher Notes:

Schedule computer lab, if necessary.
Make the overhead slide "Renaissance Man."
Make sufficient copies of the KWL worksheet.
Make sufficient copies of the worksheet William Shakespeare:  A Biography Scavenger Hunt
Make sure that Internet consent forms are on file for each student.

Procedures:

    Day One

Teacher will introduce the concept of the "Renaissance Man."  A document suitable for making an overhead slide is attached.

Students will brainstorm names of modern "Renaissance Men."  Teacher should add these names to the overhead slide

Teacher will explain to students that some consider William Shakespeare to be a "Renaissance Man," and he has been the subject of some controversy: some believe he was not a real person

Teacher will distribute KWL worksheets.

Students will complete the first two columns of the KWL worksheets.

Teacher will facilitate "debriefing" session based on information provided by students on KWL sheets.

    Day Two

Teacher will distribute the worksheet William Shakespeare:  A Biography Scavenger Hunt

In partners, students will complete the scavenger hunt.  Internet sites for student usage are on the worksheet.

Day Three

Students will participate in a teacher facilitated discussion of findings.

Students will vote as to whether Shakespeare is, in fact, a "Renaissance Man."

Students will complete the final column of the KWL worksheet.

Students will participate in a "debriefing" session, sharing what they have learned.

Modifications:

    Exceptional students may need extended time or teamed with a partner.

Enrichment Activities:

Students can create a Power Point presentation based on aspects of William Shakespeare's life.
Students can research and present arguments against the existence of Shakespeare.

Evaluation/Assessment:

completion of the KWL worksheet
participation in class discussions
completion of the worksheet William Shakespeare:  A Biography Scavenger Hunt
Answer Key for scavenger hunt attached

State and National Standards:

     West Virginia Instructional Goals and Objectives

    English 10

Reading Comprehension 10.13
Study Skills 10.77
Computer/Technology 10.82, 10.86

    Social Studies 10

History 10.44, 10.54
Computer/Technology 10.64

    National Standards

Language Arts 4. Gathers and uses information for research purposes
Language Arts 8. Uses listening and speaking strategies for different purposes

Job/Career Clusters:  Fine Arts/Humanities

References:

Shakespeare Online

West Virginia Shakespeare Institute

Shakespeare Birthplace Trust

Authors:

Cari Ryan Pauley

Mary Ann Patton

Connie Briles

Duval High School