Overview and Background: Unit: Julius Caesar

Ann Asbury : Cheney USD 268

English. : World Literature : English II

Cheney : Grades 10 - 10 : Aug. - Jun.

Title:	Julius Caesar
Topics:	Julius Caesar
Time Frame:
Start Date:	-
Status:	Draft
Date Revised:

Other Designers:

Summary:
This unit relates Shakespeare's "The Tragedy of Julius Caesar" to today's society.

Print Materials Needed:
Prentice Hall Literature Timeless Voices, Timeless Themes Platinum & related PH resources

Resources:
Julius Caesar video starring Marlon Brando
Teacher study guides

Resource Attachments:

Internet Resource Links:

Notes:

Stage 1: Identify Desired Results

State:	KS
Title:	Reading and Writing
Standard(s):	Reading Reads a variety of materials to understand self and the world. Writing Uses a writing process that includes: prewriting, drafting, editing, revision, publishing and technology to express meaning.

Understandings:
user	Society determines what is acceptable and what is not. Even though times change, basic human nature does not. Literary themes transcend time.

Essential Questions:
User	How does society determine what is/is not appropriate? How do today's societal standards differ from past standards? What aspects of human nature do not change? Why does human nature remain the same? What makes literature appeal to audiences of all ages and times?

Knowledge and Skills:

K
* differences/similarities between
ancient theater and Shakespearean
theater
* personal background of Wm. Shakespeare
* how Shakespeare's "Julius Caesar" differs from
historical events

S
* define vocabulary terms by using
context clues
* apply Julius Caesar themes to current times
* draw conclusions about human nature by examining play's characters and relating personal experience
* recognize society's role in determining what is right and wrong

Stage 2: Determine Acceptable Evidence

Assessment Summary:
The student will assume the role of a historian and write on a topic for Smithsonian magazine.

Other Evidence
* vocabulary worksheet and context clues activities
* multiple choice selection tests over each Act
* participation in class discussion & cooperative learning activities

Task/Prompt: The Smithsonian

Type:Performance Task

Topics: Julius Caesar

Summary:
The student will assume the role of a historian and write on a topic for Smithsonian magazine.

Print Materials Needed:

Resources:

Resource Attachments:

Internet Resource Links:
Link 1: http://
Link 2: http://
Link 3: http://
Link 4: http://
Link 5: http://

Notes:

Student Directions:
You are a historian studying how society today is similar to society in the time of Julius Caesar. Select one of the topics below and write a journal article for Smithsonian
magazine that proves your ideas.
* How does society determine what is/is not appropriate?
* How do today's societal standards differ from past standards?
* What aspects of human nature do not change?
* Why does human nature remain the same?
* What makes literature appeal to audiences of all ages and times?

Key Criteria
* Support ideas with personal experience and examples from the history of Julius Caesar.
* Analyze whether or not changes over time affect societal standards, human nature, or literary appeal.
* Organize essay in a logical manner that makes ideas clear and understandable to your reader.
* Use correct MLA format for typing and documentation.
* Use accurate vocabulary.

Other assessment evidence to be collected:

Stage 3: Plan Learning Experiences and Instruction

Learning Activities:

1. Pose the hypothetical question: "What would happen to our nation if a group of Senators assassinated the President of the United States?"
2. Brainstorm for examples of how society determines what is acceptable.
3. Post essential questions on board.
4. Provide deadlines, rubrics, and all necessary materials for assessment.
5. Read "Julius Caesar" in text and view video at end of each act
6. Class discussion
7. Research historical information about Julius Caesar and compare to Shakespeare's interpretation
8. Students will work in cooperative teams to evaluate characters' motives and values. They should consider the Essential Questions.
9. Evaluation of characters and how they change throughout play
10. Relate events in play to events in current times. They will discuss personal examples they can relate to play's characters.
11. Students will determine what makes play appeal to today's audiences
12. Performance Assessment: The student will assume the role of a historian and write on a topic for Smithsonian magazine.
13. Students will participate in grading conferences of assessment.
14. Students will peer evaluate each other's journal articles.
15. Students act as editorial board and determine which articles will be published in Smithsonian and explain why.