7/31/2019 Othello Lesson 1

1/2

RUBRIC AND SYNOPSIS

This module requires students to engage with and develop an informedpersonal understanding of their prescribed text. Through critical analysis and

evaluation of its language, content and construction, students will develop anappreciation of the textual integrity of their prescribed text. They refine theirown understanding and interpretations of the prescribed text and criticallyconsider these in the light of the perspectives of others. Students explore howcontext influences their own and others responses to the text and how the texthas been received and valued.

The Module is therefore requiring students to have a thorough understandingand knowledge ofOthello by examining the elements of character,characterisation, structure, language, themes and setting. They need tounderstand howOthello was received and valued at the time of its writing as

well as through subsequent performances of the play. Students should develop apersonal understanding as to whatOthello says to them now. They should alsoconsider the ideas and perspectives of other people to the play and those other

people can include academic critics, their fellow students and their teacher.These perspectives will only be valuable when the students have a deepknowledge and understanding ofOthello and have come to terms with what they

personally think about the play and its issues, characters and language.Students will also need to understand the context in which Othello was writtenand what was valued in that context. Subsequent performances ofOthello willalso be affected by the contextual elements and by different values and this iswhat continues to give Othello its longevity and allows it to resonate with a

range of audiences in a range of contexts. The way we receive and respond toOthello is a product of our context and what we value and students should beencouraged to see that a range of responses will lead to different ways ofreceiving the play and that these too reflect different values.

CORE TERMS

Literary Criticism -Discipline concerned with philosophical, descriptive, andevaluative inquiriesaboutliterature, including what literature is, what it does,and what it is worth.

Meaning -theend, purpose, or significanceofa text

Responding reacting, showing understanding, coming to a conclusion aboutmeaning

Textual Integrity - The definition of textual integrity in the Stage 6 EnglishSyllabus is:"the unity of a text; its coherent use of form and language to produce anintegrated whole in terms of meaning and value"

Context - In a broad sense contextrelates to the time and circumstances underwhich a text is created.

7/31/2019 Othello Lesson 1

2/2

Explain and discuss the concepts of -

- Context and its influence on meaning- Themes and how they can be conveyed- Textual integrityhow and why a text survives a passage of time and can be relevant to

a range of audiences from different times and places- Language and construction and how they are used to convey ideas and influence meaning- What forms Shakespeare writes in and why- An informed personal response to a text- Gaining an understanding of others responses to the text and how this can shapes a

personal response.