. read write think discuss: November 2012

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Rubric for Hamlet Film Essays

HAMLET on FILM Essay Dr. Forman

Name ________________________ Subj:

Title ___________________________________________

Areas to work on:  opening  analyze film more

 MLA header  title  MLA punctuation  introduction

 thesis sentence  organization  clarity of syntax

 more precise word choices  development of main idea

 clarify & exemplify main idea  narrow main idea [] film details

 topic sentences  body ¶s  closing sentences of paragraphs

 conclusion  comma splice  agreement  ‘s  __________

unclear<------------------------THESIS-------------------------->specific

unclear<---------------------ORGANIZED-------------------------->logical

rough<---------------------SENTENCES---------------------------->smooth

Essay Scoring Rubric Score: ______

A or A-	B+ or B	B-, C+ or C
-*outstanding,* sharp insight into films -clear and consistent mastery -a few *minor* errors	-effective; demonstrates reasonably consistent mastery about films -*occasional* errors or lapses in quality	-competent -demonstrates *adequate* mastery -lapses in quality
-effectively, insight-fully develops a point of view on the issue -demonstrates outstanding critical thinking -use clearly appropriate examples and details from films	-effectively *develops a point* of view on film versions -demonstrates strong critical thinking -uses appropriate examples/details from films to support position	-*develops a point* of view on the issue -demonstrates competent critical thinking -uses adequate examples from films to support position
-v. well organized & clearly focused -demonstrates clear coherence -smooth progression of ideas	-well *organized* and focused -demonstrates *coherence* and progression of ideas	-*generally* organized and focused -demonstrates *some* coherence and progression of ideas
-exhibits skillful use of language -uses varied, accurate, apt vocabulary	-exhibits facility in the use of language -uses appropriate vocabulary	-exhibits adequate but *inconsistent* facility in the use of lang. -uses generally appropriate vocab.
-demonstrates meaningful variety in sentence structure	-demonstrates variety in sentence structure	-demonstrates some variety in sentence structure
-free of most errors in grammar, usage, & mechanics	-generally *free of most* errors in grammar, usage, & mechanics	-has *some* errors in grammar, usage, & mechanics
Best : Thesis: interesting, arguable, incisive; limited in scope; developed • Structure: logical, progressive (not just a list), invites complications, counterarguments, with links between points; coherent, well-organized paragraphs • Evidence: convincing, well-chosen; readable and understandable, well-analyzed • Analysis: fresh; more than summary; shows how evidence supports thesis; Quotes: well-chosen cited correctly Style: clear, conversational yet sophisticated; diction level appropriate to audience; smooth, a pleasure to read

Works Cited

Hamlet. Dir. Doran, Gregory. BBC TV 2009/2010. Patrick Stewart. David Tennant.

Monday, November 26, 2012

HAMLET ON FILM (ESSAY DUE)

HAMLET ON FILM:

WHAT DIFFERENCE DO SMALL CHOICES MAKE?

English IV Essay Due date: December 2, 2012

(Sunday before midnight submit to Turnitin.com and the next day to dropbox and bring a paper copy to class) (3-5 page essay with Works Cited. )

Compare Act I scene 2 in any two Film Versions of Hamlet

Choose any two films and one aspect of the films you will examine.

1. Laurence Olivier (1948)

2. BBC: Derek Jacobi (1980)

3. Mel Gibson (1990)

4. Kenneth Branagh (1996)

5. Ethan Hawke (2000)

6. David Tennant BBC (2010)

Writing Assignment

Select which scene or portion of a scene you will focus on.
Select which two (or three) film versions you will analyze.
Select what aspect of the scene you will concentrate on. (Be specific; don’t just rate the versions in a general way.)

WRITING PROMPT(s):

--What is the effect on the scene of the director’s various choices?

--How does the scene change (in its meaning) because of the filmmaker’s decisions?

--Make your claim bold, different and interesting, not obvious. Give clear details that support your claim.

--Compare only one aspect (lighting, camera angle, sound, blocking, or one other technical aspect of the scene) of two or three film versions of the same scene from Hamlet.

Works Cited

Hamlet. Dir. Almereyda, Michael. Ethan Hawke, Julia Stiles, Bill Murray. 2000. Double A films.

Hamlet. Dir. Kenneth Branagh. 1996. Castle Rock Entertainment. Julie Christie. Derek Jacobi. Kate Winslet. Judi Dench. Jack Lemmon. Rufus Sewell. Robin Williams. Charlton Heston. John Gielgud. Billy Crystal.

Hamlet. Dir. Zeffireli, Franco. Mel Gibson, Glenn Close. 1990. Mel Gibson. Glenn Close. Ian Holm.

Hamlet. Dir. Benet, Rodney. Derek Jacobi. 1980.

Hamlet. Dir. Olivier, Sir Laurence. 1948. Two Cities Film (UK).

Hamlet. Dir. Gregory Doran. TV 2009.

Mon. 11/26 Quick re-viewing of films. Share your main idea, write the introductory paragraph and thesis and blog it fro the next class meeting.

Tue. 11/27 1st F blog due Write first body paragraph during class and blog it. (work on essay)

Wed. 11/28 1st C blog due, 2^nd F blog is due (work on essay)

Thu. 11/29 2^nd C blog is due, optional 3^rd F blog due (work on essay)

Fri. 11/30 optional 3^rd C blog due (work on essay)

Sun. 12/2 Before midnight, proofread, attach works cited, and upload to Turnitin.com

Mon. 12/3 Bring paper copy to class and upload to NetClassroom dropbox by end of day.

What is your best idea in comparing two films?
How the set design (or lighting or music) combines with the acting to emphasize the intimate vs. the public view of the royal family in film A and film B.
How film A vs. B portray Gertrude's loyalties to son vs. husband, especially with regards to close ups, lighting, and acting.

Monday, November 12, 2012

Compare six Hamlet films in an essay due Dec. 2

Due date: December 2, 2012 (Sunday before midnight submit to Turnitin.com and the next day to dropbox and bring a paper copy to class)

Act I scene 2 in Six Film Versions of Hamlet

1. Archangel BBC Audiobooks (2005)

2. Laurence Olivier (1948)

3. BBC: Derek Jacobi (1980)

4. Mel Gibson (1990)

5. Kenneth Branagh (1996)

6. Ethan Hawke (2000)

7. David Tennant BBC (2010)

8. (optional) Looking at Movies (2006) Dave Monahan, Norton.

Blogs due: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays

Blog topics: a paragraph about a character in the act you just read or observations about a film clip you just saw.

Keep a Viewing Journal

Read and annotate the text of Hamlet that we will be viewing (either in your textbook or on a separate script). Make marginal notes on how different directors and actors might play the scene.
In class, view the various film versions of the scenes, taking notes. Each day as we watch a film clip, complete the viewing journal to record and remember details from each film and how you react to different directorial decisions.
View the scenes again and again, making further notes.
Reread and analyze your viewing journal to create a clear and interesting thesis. Use your Viewing Journal to frame an interesting claim about the versions.
Write a 3 to 5 page essay comparing several film versions of this one scene from Hamlet. Narrowly focus on a few parts analyzed in detail.
Carefully proofread your essay, include the correct MLA citation and header, a Works Cited page listing the films you analyze, and make sure your title and thesis statement make an interesting point.
Submit the essay to Turnitin.com by the time specified. (Dec. 4, 2011)

Writing Assignment

Select which scene or portion of a scene you will focus on.
Select which two (or three) film versions you will analyze.
Select what aspect of the scene you will concentrate on. (Be specific; don’t just rate the versions in a general way.)
Take notes on the Looking at Movies DVD: a. Mise en scene, b. Setting, c. Lighting & Familiar Image, d. Composing the Frame, e. Shot Types, f. Camera Angles, g. Point of View
Review your Viewing Journal notes. Brainstorm an exciting and different claim to make about how the scene is directed and acted. Add Works Cited.

WRITING PROMPT(s):

1. What is the effect on the scene of the director’s various choices?

2. In your view, which choices are most effective?

3. How does the scene change (in its meaning) because of the filmmaker’s decisions?

(Make your claim bold, different and interesting, not obvious. Give clear details that support your claim.) Compare only one aspect (lighting, camera angle, sound, blocking, or one other technical aspect of the scene) of two or three film versions of the same scene from Hamlet. (3-5 page essay with Works Cited. )

Works Cited

Hamlet. Dir. Almereyda, Michael. Ethan Hawke, Julia Stiles, Bill Murray. 2000. Double A films.

Hamlet. Dir. Zeffireli, Franco. Mel Gibson, Glenn Close. 1990. Mel Gibson. Glenn Close. Ian Holm.

Hamlet. Dir. Benet, Rodney. Derek Jacobi. 1980.

Hamlet. Dir. Olivier, Sir Laurence. 1948. Two Cities Film (UK).

Hamlet. Dir. Gregory Doran. TV 2009.

Act I scene 2 lines 65-164 Make marginal notes on directorial decisions:

KING CLAUDIUS (lighting/ blocking/ lang. delivery/ set/ camera/ sound/ etc.)

Sub plans till Thanksgiving

Sub plans for Dr. James Forman Nov. 15-21

English IV

in Room A-205

Three classes each:

C period

1. Thu 11/15 10:38-11:27 read Hamlet and watch films (may blog as well)

2. Fri 11/16 11:33-12:22 read Hamlet and watch films, blog due next Mon.

3. Mon 11/19 10:38-11:27 read Hamlet and watch films, blog due Wed, 10/21

F period 12:15-1:04

1. Thu 11/15 read Hamlet and watch films, blog due next Mon.

2. Mon 11/19 read Hamlet and watch films, may blog in class

3. Tue 11/20 read Hamlet and watch films, blog due next Wed., 10/21

Each day, students are to read Hamlet on their iPads and annotate. (Act III and then Act IV). Students are encouraged to follow one character especially carefully. Three times each week, students should post blogs about the character they are reading. Blogs are due before class on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays. When there is time, they may blog from iPads or laptops during class.

Halfway through each period (when the technology works!) show the Hamlet films and have students take notes.

How to access the films:

1. Login on the laptop.

2. Turn on the overhead screen by clicking on the primary colors in the sys tray and then clicking in the middle of the screen on the logo, “Buckley School.”

3. When available, click the shortcut on the desktop marked “shortcut to Hamlet DVDs”

If not, continue below:

4. Click MyComputer.

5. Click the T: drive.

6. Click English Department

7. Click Shortcut to Hamlet DVD

8. Click ‘Videos six films’

9. Each in turn, click all the videos and let them play with sound on. (about 4-5 minutes each)

A. Laurence Olivier (1948)

B. BBC: Derek Jacobi (1980)

C. Mel Gibson (1990)

D. Kenneth Branagh (1996)

E. Ethan Hawke (2000)

F. David Tennant BBC (2009)

Remind students to take notes on their iPads or on paper.

Thursday, November 8, 2012

You are the Director! Filming with iPads

You are the director!

1. You have 4 minutes to decide how you want to shoot the following scene, how to deliver the lines, what words you want to stress, how bring out the character. You don’t have to memorize the words. Prepare an explanation of your interpretation of characters, relationship, and scene.

2. Don’t disturb other classes. Pick a location in the building and shoot the scene once. You may have one do-over if you have time. At the end, explain in a few seconds your interpretation of the scene, their relationship, and the character(s).

3. Return to class by the designated time. _________

4. Email your file to jforman@buckley.org

5. Show your clip and add any other explanations about your interpretation of the character/scene

Directors, Actors, and Cinematographers

A. GERTRUDE/HAMLET Scene

QUEEN GERTRUDE

àGood Hamlet, cast thy nighted colour off, outline your performance choices for each line and why.
And let thine eye look like a friend on Denmark.
Do not for ever with thy vailed lids
Seek for thy noble father in the dust:
Thou know'st 'tis common; all that lives must die,
Passing through nature to eternity.

HAMLET

Ay, madam, it is common.

QUEEN GERTRUDE

If it be,
Why seems it so particular with thee?

HAMLET

àSeems, madam! nay it is; I know not 'seems.' [Offended? Bitter? Funny?]
'Tis not alone my inky cloak, good mother,
Nor customary suits of solemn black,
Nor windy suspiration of forced breath,
No, nor the fruitful river in the eye,
Nor the dejected 'havior of the visage,
Together with all forms, moods, shapes of grief,
That can denote me truly: these indeed seem,
For they are actions that a man might play:
But I have that within which passeth show;
These but the trappings and the suits of woe.

QUEEN GERTRUDE

àLet not thy mother lose her prayers, Hamlet:
I pray thee, stay with us; go not to Wittenberg. [How? Commanding? Pleading? Tender?]

HAMLET àI shall in all my best obey you, madam. [How to act this? Submissive?]

Then a short explanation

B. CLAUDIUS/HAMLET Scene

KING CLAUDIUS outline your performance choices for each line and why.

Take thy fair hour, Laertes; time be thine,
And thy best graces spend it at thy will!
But now, my cousin Hamlet, and my son,--

HAMLET

[Aside] A little more than kin, and less than kind.

KING CLAUDIUS

àHow is it that the clouds still hang on you? [Aggressive? Kind? ]

HAMLET

Not so, my lord; I am too much i' the sun.

KING CLAUDIUS

à'Tis sweet and commendable in your nature, Hamlet, [deceptive but cheerful? Aggressive?]
To give these mourning duties to your father:
But, you must know, your father lost a father;
~~That father lost, lost his, and the survivor bound~~
In filial obligation for some term
To do obsequious sorrow: but to perseverIn obstinate condolement is a course
Of impious stubbornness; 'tis unmanly grief; [aggressive? Nicely? ]
It shows a will most incorrect to heaven,
A heart unfortified, a mind impatient,
An understanding simple and unschool'd:
~~For what we know must be and is as common~~ (you may cut some lines, if you like)
As any the most vulgar thing to sense,
Why should we in our peevish opposition
Take it to heart? Fie! 'tis a fault to heaven,A fault against the dead, a fault to nature,
~~To reason most absurd~~: ~~whose common theme~~
Is death of fathers, and who still hath cried,
From the first corse till he that died to-day,
'This must be so.' We pray you, throw to earth
This unprevailing woe, and think of us
As of a father: ~~for let the world take note,~~
~~You are the most immediate to our throne;~~
And with no less nobility of love
Than that which dearest father bears his son,
Do I impart toward you. For your intentIn going back to school in Wittenberg,
It is most retrograde to our desire:
And we beseech you, bend you to remain
Here, in the cheer and comfort of our eye,
Our chiefest courtier, cousin, and our son.

HAMLET

àI shall in all my best obey you. [How to act this? Submissive? Resentful? Beaten?]

KING CLAUDIUS

àWhy, 'tis a loving and a fair reply! (Then a short explanation of acting choices)

Monday, November 5, 2012

iPad Feedback

Ipad FEEDBACK

I need some feedback on using iPads so far this year in English. Either type your quotes and email them to me at jforman@buckley.org (preferred), or you can do a new blog post and post your comments (also preferred) or you can handwrite them.

Answer in complete sentences at least some of the prompts below:

· Write about some of the challenges to using iPads this year in English.

o Include glitches, learning to annotate on KNO, reading on a device, keeping a charged iPad, and even distractions at home or in the classroom.

· Write about some of the BENEFITS you have discovered in using iPads in English

o You might include annotations, reading on a screen, all your work in one device, learning to like reading on a device, etc.

· Write about writing and blogging from your iPad this year in English.

o What has it been like blogging in class and at home from your iPad? Describe how the essay composing process has been different using both blogs and

· Anything else about using iPads or technology in English this year?

· Write about using iPads for filming and recording and other uses.