Introduction
Following the Middle Ages, our next period of study is the English Renaissance. This period dates from around 1500 to the late 1600s. During today's class, working alone or with a partner, you will be investigating life, society, and the arts during the English Renaissance. Be sure to conduct thorough research as this material will be testable at the end of the unit. If you have any questions, be sure to ask!
BEFORE YOU GO ANY FURTHER: What you do not finish today will be done for homework over the weekend! I will be checking your research on Monday, so be sure to finish all tasks to receive a completion mark for this activity! This Webquest is also very VERY important for The History of the English Language test.. just saying. Be sure to follow instructions in the "Task" section to help guide you when taking notes. :)
Task
Using the websites provided in the "Process" section, you should divide your work into the following sections:
- monarchy and the ruling class
- the spread of the English language/changes in language
- gender roles
- Renaissance and the effect on art
- Shakespeare: life and legacy
A Note on Notes:
You may find it helpful to...
- create a Padlet to take notes https://padlet.com/
- create a placemat (section your page into five parts and then take notes in the space that matches)
- use jot notes throughout to save time and space
Process
The Transition from Medieval to Renaissance:
https://www.britannica.com/art/English-literature/Later-Middle-English-prose#ref12778
Early Modern Period:
https://people.umass.edu/eng2/per/renaissance.html
Social Structure:
https://www.bl.uk/shakespeare/articles/the-social-structure-in-elizabethan-england
English Literary Periods within the Renaissance: (hopefully this isn't blocked by TDSB wifi..if it is, check it out at home!)
Shakespeare & The Renaissance:
https://www.thoughtco.com/renaissance-shakespeares-time-2984986
https://www.bl.uk/shakespeare/articles/key-features-of-renaissance-culture
Literature in the English Renaissance:
https://courses.lumenlearning.com/britlit1/chapter/english-renaissance/
https://www.britannica.com/art/English-literature/The-Renaissance-period-1550-1660#ref12807
Life & Society:
https://www.bl.uk/shakespeare/articles/witchcraft-magic-and-religion
https://www.bl.uk/shakespeare/articles/amusements-and-pastimes-in-elizabethan-england
Women & The Elizabethan Period:
https://www.bl.uk/shakespeare/articles/shakespeare-and-gender-the-womans-part
http://www.elizabethan-era.org.uk/elizabethan-women.htm
Food: don't watch all of it...
https://www.bl.uk/shakespeare/articles/food-in-elizabethan-england
Fashion: view the video and skip through to see the steps involved and the final look
https://www.royalacademy.org.uk/article/video-dressing-an-italian-countess
https://www.bl.uk/shakespeare/articles/clothing-in-elizabethan-england
to see the final look in action:
Changes to English:
http://www.thehistoryofenglish.com/history_early_modern.html
Conclusion
Once you have completed your research, begin watching the video below. It will help you gain insight into the conspiracy regarding Shakespeare's work. This is something we will be revisiting (re-watching) and discussing in class soon to help Introduce Othello!