Everyone should be familiar with the timeless works of William Shakespeare. Now, with Understanding Shakespeare, everyone can! Did you know that popular phrases sound and fury, primrose way, and the milk of human kindness, are taken from MacBeth? Shakespeare’s classic tragedy tells the story of a good man gone bad, driven to murder by ugly ambition and fueled by a power-hungry wife. MacBeth’s desire to fulfill his prophecies of greatness, foretold by three witches, ultimately leads to wicked acts and his eventual downfall.
Grade levels: Upper Elementary (4-6)
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Shakespeare in London
Follow William Shakespeare through 16th and 17th Century London, as the bard created many of the most important works ever written. This incredible period is a source of continued fascination and was portrayed in 1998’s Academy Award-winning Best Picture, Shakespeare in Love, also dramatized in 2006’s Elizabeth I, an Emmy Award-winning television miniseries, and NOW a new feature film starring Cate Blanchett, Elizabeth, The Golden Age. The story begins with the first written documentation of Shakespeare in London – his life on the bank of the River Thames, against the dramatic backdrop of the New Globe Playhouse. The Virgin Queen Elizabeth I sits upon the throne and Christopher Marlowe (famous poet and playwright) is at the height of his popularity, but there are rumblings in the theatre awning… of a young upstart who has stolen ideas from the undisputed master!
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The Gilded Age
This program explores many facets of the Gilded Age, including industrialization and the growth of big business, the urbanization of America, the grueling working conditions many endured, and the influence of Victorian culture on American society.
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The Progressive Era
This program explores our history and culture during the early 20th century, when a wave of reforms changed our political system and attempted to remedy the social and economic inequities arising from industrialization and urbanization.
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The Roaring Twenties
This program explores the enormous social and cultural changes of this era – The Roaring Twenties
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The Great Depression
This program examines the many factors that led to the Depression, Hoover’s attempts to counter the nation’s economic woes, and Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal programs. The video also discusses the election of 1932, which put Franklin Delano Roosevelt in office by a landslide, and examines the relief, recovery, and reform measures initiated during the New Deal.
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Understanding Shakespeare – 4 Pack
Everyone should be familiar with the timeless works of William Shakespeare. Now with Understanding Shakespeare everyone can! This Tragedy Series brings four of Shakespeare greatest plays to life, with the skilled help of classically trained actors and internationally renowned Shakespearean scholars. Key scenes are acted, analyzed and interpreted throughout the plays. Insightful comments help explain meaning, characters, motives, background action and plot. Whether or nor you’ve read Shakespeare before, this program is the best way to understand, appreciate and enjoy the majesty of his greatest tragedies. 4 Pack
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Understanding Literature – 3 Pack
. The Elements of Fiction – Ernest Hemingway, Mark Twain, Robert Louis Stevenson — these are just three of the renowned authors whose work is cited in this program which explores: Plot elements Character Conflict Flashback Foreshadowing And more…The Elements of Drama – The wonderful world of drama comes alive in The Elements of Drama, as the young host and hostess take viewers on a journey through the works of such famous playwrights as William Shakespeare. Colorful graphics and an informative narrative illustrate the basic elements of drama: Dialogue and narrative Soliloquy Dramatic conventions Plot elements Character Point of view Conflict And more. In addition, professors of English provide insight to help viewers understand drama. An interactive component of multiple choice questions reinforces concepts presented in the program and enhances understanding of the basic elements of drama. The Elements of Poetry – Figurative language, meter and rhyme, simile, and metaphor — these are a few of the many topics explored in this lively video tour through the genre of poetry.
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The Elements of Fiction
The Elements of Fiction – Ernest Hemingway, Mark Twain, Robert Louis Stevenson — these are just three of the renowned authors whose work is cited in this program which explores: Plot elements Character Conflict Flashback Foreshadowing and more.
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The Elements of Drama
The wonderful world of drama comes alive in The Elements of Drama, as the young host and hostess take viewers on a journey through the works of such famous playwrights as William Shakespeare. Colorful graphics and an informative narrative illustrate the basic elements of drama: Dialogue and narrative Soliloquy Dramatic conventions Plot elements Character Point of view Conflict and more.