Description
This title despite abundant scholarly works in the field of Shakespeare studies, there are few texts that combine analytical and creative learning methodologies, and none that specifically apply the principles of holistic education to the topic. It is accessible to both teachers and learners. It contains non-evaluative, theatre-based activities alongside traditional analytical exercises. This book applies the principles, goals, and methodologies of the holistic educational model to the study of four Shakespearean plays: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream”, “Measure for Measure”, “Othello”, and ‘The Tempest”. In keeping with the aims of holistic education, each play is studied in relation to a key social or environmental topic addressed in the work. Each chapter begins with an introductory essay, and is then divided into five subtopics: each concentrating on a specific aspect of the play. Each subtopic concludes with an extension exercise designed to promote student understanding. Shakespeare’s plays are a staple in secondary and university classrooms. But for modern students, they pose a formidable challenge. Too often, the plays are taught as antiquated works of literature with little reference to their enduring theatrical life. Because teachers of literature frequently lack strong background in theatre, they are limited in their ability to teach the plays as lively performance texts. This book addresses that need by detailing non-evaluative, theatre-based activities alongside traditional analytical exercises.
