Explore how literature reveals the complexities of being human in any one of the following prompts:

Explore how literature reveals the complexities of being human in any one of the following prompts:

Prompt 1—Shakespeare Essay

Argumentative Essay or Multimedia Presentation

Does Shakespeare Still Matter?

Write or present a convincing argument with supporting textual evidence from the texts in the course, as well as others of your own choosing, as to why Shakespeare still matters or does not matter. Explain whether his writing reflects the human condition or not. Is Shakespearean literature still relatable today? Explain with reasons and textual evidence.

If writing: In an essay, convince your audience as to why Shakespeare still matters or does not matter. Does his writing reflect the human condition today? Explain your ideas clearly with two to three reasons why Shakespeare still is or is not important today.

Introduction (1st paragraph)—Start with a hook that grabs your reader’s attention. Present a claim that tells your audience your position—Does Shakespeare still matter? Does his writing reflect the human condition today, and is his work still relatable? Give your two to three reasons. (3-7 sentences)

2nd paragraph—Explain your first reason with textual evidence from sources (3-7 sentences).

3rd paragraph—Explain your 2nd reason with textual evidence from sources (3-7 sentences).

4th paragraph (optional)—Explain your 3rd reason with textual evidence from sources (3-7 sentences).

Conclusion / final paragraph—Summarize your main points in different words, and put emphasis on what you really wanted your reader to learn from your argument.

If presenting: You may present this as a multimedia presentation in which you convince your audience as to why Shakespeare still does or does not matter today. For power point, you are to have 8-10 slides (Not including title slide and reference slide), with 3-5 bullets per slide. Use the notes section under each slide to discuss and explain your points; also add appropriate citations within your notes or next to bullet points. A reference list should be placed on your final slide. If using video, your video should be 2-5 minutes long, with a reference list at the end of the video. Each scene with paraphrases or quotes should also include in-text citations. Ensure you include appropriate images that enhance your presentation or video.

Prompt 2—Creative Character Analysis

Character Analysis by Cartoon, Poetry, Song, Skit / re-enactment scene

Analyze one of the following characters:

1. Emilia from Emilia’s Lament

2. Hamlet from the play, Hamlet

A. Create a cartoon (with three or more strips), poem, sonnet, skit/ re-enactment scene, or news report showing what you’ve learned about one of the characters listed above. This is a creative assignment.

B. Write a brief paragraph analysis: Submit a paragraph summary explaining your work and the traits you are trying to show in the creative work you made. Does this character represent the complexities of being human? Briefly explain how he or she reflects the complexities of being human in your paragraph.

Whichever format you choose, ensure that your work is accompanied by appropriately documented sources within text, and in a reference list.

•  If choosing to do a cartoon representation of the character, ensure that you use a software program—hand-drawings will not be accepted, and you should have at least three strips with callouts. Here are a list of free software programs you may use—MS Word, Power Point, Powtoon, Animaker, Toony Tools (https://www.toonytool.com/), etc.
• If choosing to do poem or sonnet, ensure you use poetic elements such as figurative language and other techniques to represent the traits of the character; for example, your poem could be an ode to that character; it could also be written in the voice of that character.
• If doing a skit or re-enactment scene, ensure you include dialogue that includes words that your character would say or dialogue that represents the character’s feelings and other traits of the character.
• If creating a news report, you could add elements such as interview questions, and other news feature elements.