ILC ELA 8: Module 2b - A Midsummer Night’s Dream and the Comedy of Control 1st Semester

In this first unit, students will begin by studying the universal appeal of Shakespeare’s works along with the intriguing question of the authorship of Shakespeare. Students will read informational texts and analyze them for the author’s craft of forming and supporting an argument, as well as how the author structured the text. Students will then begin reading the central text of the module, Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. As they dive into the text, they will begin to build background knowledge about Shakespeare’s craft and unique use of language. As they read Acts 1, 2, and some of 3 of the play, students will begin to address this module’s overarching thematic concept of “control” by exploring various characters’ motives for trying to manipulate others. In addition, students will support and enhance their reading of the play by analyzing several film clips of the play. In this second unit, students will read and finish the play while they continue to follow the theme of control in A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Students will study how Shakespeare drew upon Greek mythology for the play within the play as they study “Pyramus and Thisbe.” They will study how Shakespeare rendered the story new, and how the texts relate to the theme of control. Note: This module is an integral part of the program to ensure all standards are addressed; therefore, it should be downloaded with the ILC ELA 8 - 1st Semester content; it is available as an alternative for module 2a within the 1st Semester module, while still providing the same opportunity to address the grade level standards.