Sec+2+-+The+Merchant+of+Venice

This lesson is now hosted on a [|new wiki]

**Pre-lesson Preparation** You should have
 * read The Merchant of Venice over the June holidays
 * annotated the text for plot, character, setting and theme

**LESSON ONE** **Activity One: Who was William Shakespeare? ** What was his impact on history and culture? Why do we even bother to study him in Literature class? Click on the following links to find out more about Shakespeare's life his enduring influence on our lives today.


 * Source 1:** //All the world's a secret admirer// video

media type="youtube" key="a8A7d7wiHDE" height="344" width="425"


 * Source 2**: //[|William Shakespeare's biography]//


 * Source 3**: [|News article]

Reflect on the following questions and post your ideas on your class discussion board found at. You may choose to respond to a classmate’s post (agree or disagree with him). You can also pose any interesting questions that relate to the topic at hand.

1) There are thousands of great writers in the history of English literature. Why Shakespeare (instead of any other writer)? 2) In your opinion, could any literature course be considered complete if Shakespeare’s works were not included in the syllabus? 3) Is it possible to appreciate Shakespeare’s work and genius without knowledge about his background?

**Activity Two: Diagnostic Quizzes** Attempt either Quiz to check for knowledge of factual details in the text. No interpretation or analysis is required. Note that Quiz 2 is more difficult than Quiz 1.

[|Diagnostic Quiz 1] [|Diagnostic Quiz 2]

How did you fare in the quiz? Reflect on your results and reread //The Merchant of Venice// if you got any of the answers wrong.

**Homework** (need not be completed within the 1-hour period) Complete your group presentation (that was assigned over the June holidays) on the //Life and Times of William Shakespeare//. You should have either 1) digitally recorded your presentation so that it can be uploaded onto Youtube or 2) use a software such as Voki ([|www.voki.com]) to create a presentation. 3) Upload / Embed the video onto by 2359hr, Wednesday, 29 July 2009.

Remember to keep to the topic your group has been assigned.

**LESSON TWO**  View the group presentation of each group. Download and fill it in before and as you view the presentation of each group. Bring the reflection to class next week.
 * Activity One**