(Recorded Course) The Merchant of Venice by William Shakespeare with Joseph Pearce (Early Modern, English, Drama, Shakespeare)

NOTICE: This is an older course recorded with Adobe Connect and/or Vimeo recordings. We are currently working to replace the recordings with new Zoom recordings.  Please don't hesitate to email us at homeschoolconnections@gmail.com with any questions.

How to get the most out of this course:

  • First, read the course details below.
  • Purchase or borrow the book and begin reading (reading assignments for each week can be found in the Class Notes).
  • Prepare a notebook for taking notes as you read and watch the lectures.
  • Students begin the course by clicking on the "Recording" and watching the lecture for Class One.
  • Complete the weekly quizzes, which are graded automatically by the computer. Report your grade to your parent.
  • If you need review, go back and watch the recording again.
  • Repeat until all 6 classes are complete.
  • Once the course is done to the parent's satisfaction, complete the Certificate of Completion at the bottom for your records. 
  • Make sure to record your grades (HSC does not provide record keeping services).

 

Total Classes: 6

Prerequisite: The ability to read and enjoy the book

Suggested Grade Level: 8th to 12th grade

Suggested High School Credit: ½ semester Literature. Add another literature course for full credit (see Unlimited Access.)

Instructor: Joseph Pearce

Course Description: Professor Pearce, author of three books on Shakespeare and editor of the Ignatius Critical Edition of The Merchant of Venice, will reveal the deep Christian meaning of one of Shakespeare’s greatest and most controversial plays.

Course Outline:

Class 1: The Bard of Avon and the Church of Rome: Shakespeare’s Catholicism. The Background and Sources of The Merchant of Venice.
Class 2: Act One – Of Jews and Jesuits. Venetian Blindness. Critical Mistakes and Dramatic Errors.
Class 3: Act Two – “I have much ado to know myself”. Portia as the Gate of Virtue. Shylock the Usurer.
Class 4: Act Three – The Right to Choose. Lead, Kindly Light.
Class 5: Act Four – The Vice of Vengeance. The Testing of Shylock.
Class 6: Act Five – The Testing of Bassanio. Light and Lightheartedness.

Course Materials: The Merchant of Venice (Ignatius Critical Edition, 978-1-58617-320-3). Click on book title for ordering information.

Homework: Weekly reading assignments and quizzes (approximately one hour per week).