Digital Unit Plan Template

Unit Title: Merchant of Venice Name:

Content Area: English Grade Level: 9-10
CA Content Standard(s)/Common Core Standard(s):
CCSS A- Literacy RL 9-10.1. Cite Strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text
says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
CCSS A- Literacy PL 9-10.2. Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development
over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an
objective summary of the text.
CCSS A- Literacy RL 9-10.5. Analyze an authors choices concerning how to structure a text, order events
within it (e.g. parallel plots), and manipulate time (e.g. pacing, flashbacks) create effects such as mystery,
tension, or surprise.
Big Ideas/Unit Goals:
- Students will be able to define the term commodification and will be able to identify three areas where the idea of
commodities comes up in the text.
- Students will be able to use technology to research parallel plots within the text and use this to compare-and-contrast two
plot lines.
- Students will be able to locate one theme in the text and create an argument using contextual evidence to support their
claim.

Unit Summary:
In this unit, we will be looking at Shakespeares play the Merchant of Venice. We will be identifying themes throughout the play
and looking at how they evolve. We will look at several major themes of the play as a class, and students will be asked to come
up with another theme on their own. Students will be looking at plot structure of the play, including looking at parallel plot lines
and how they develop throughout the text. Students will work in groups to discuss the various marriages in the play and will
make an argument using contextual evidence as to whether-or-not the play in based on love. Students be able to identify when
and where characters appear in the play and will create an argument using contextual evidence as to how that character is
affected by the laws of Venice.

Assessment Plan:
Entry-Level: Formative: Summative:
- Quick Write - Check for Understanding - Essay
- Anticipation-Reaction Guide Questions - Group Presentation
- Graphic Organizer
- Timeline
- Critical thinking Questions
Lesson 1 (Teacher Lecture)
Student Learning Acceptable Evidence Lesson Activities: During the in-class lecture, students will be learning about
Objective: (Assessments): commodification and how that theme surrounds this text. They will fill out a work
CCSS A- Literacy PL 9-10.2. Critical Thinking sheet that asks critical thinking questions about how the women in the play are
Determine a theme or Questions treated as commodities.
central idea of a text and
analyze in detail its
development over the
course of the text, including
how it emerges and is
shaped and refined by
specific details; provide an
objective summary of the
text.

Lesson 2 (Webercise/ iPad Lesson)

Student Learning Acceptable Evidence: Lesson Activities: Students will use various websites to gather information to
Objective: Critical Thinking answer various questions about the text. Students will work on their research skills
CCSS A- Literacy RL 9-10.1. Questions to help them answer the questions. Students will learn more about the various
Cite Strong and thorough themes of the play. Students will have to answer each question thoroughly in short
textual evidence to support answer form.
analysis of what the text
says explicitly as well as
inferences drawn from the
text.
CCSS A- Literacy PL 9-10.2.
Determine a theme or
central idea of a text and
analyze in detail its
development over the
course of the text, including
how it emerges and is
shaped and refined by
specific details; provide an
objective summary of the
text.
Lesson 3 (Graphic Organizer)
Student Learning Acceptable Evidence: Lesson Activities: Students will create a timeline of the play, including a summary of
Objective: Graphic each scene, identifying who appears in each scene, identifying where the scene
CCSS A- Literacy PL 9-10.2. Organizer/Timeline takes place, and identifying various themes throughout the acts. Students will use
Determine a theme or this timeline to see parallel plots and how they are formed, and they will use this to
central idea of a text and identify where themes occur throughout the play to help them with different
analyze in detail its assignments later in the Unit.
development over the
course of the text, including
how it emerges and is
shaped and refined by
specific details; provide an
objective summary of the
text.
CCSS A- Literacy RL 9-10.5.
Analyze an authors choices
concerning how to structure
a text, order events within it
(e.g. parallel plots), and
manipulate time (e.g.
pacing, flashbacks) create
effects such as mystery,
tension, or surprise.
Unit Resources:
http://www.bbc.co.uk/drama/shakespeare/60secondshakespeare/teachers_themes_list.shtml
http://www.litcharts.com/lit/the-merchant-of-venice/themes
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=37ZcbSfNSNg

Useful Websites:
https://www.rsc.org.uk/the-merchant-of-venice/about-the-play/key-moments - This site gives you an overview of the play Merchant of
Venice to help keep students on track with the basics of the plot.
http://www.william-shakespeare.info/shakespeare-play-merchant-of-venice.htm - This site gives a background of the play itself, including
a small biography on Shakespeare. It includes a character list and information about when and where the play was written.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lfwd3ENYYaw - A play was written to be viewed or watched. This is a link to the movie version of the
play. Although it is not at all like watching it performed on stage, it will still help you visualize the events and the characters.
http://www.shakespeareswords.com/Glossary - This site gives you a glossary of Shakespearean terms to help students understand the
language of the play.
https://quizlet.com/5605014/merchant-of-venice-flash-cards/ - This site provides you with flashcards that can help you study for the end
of the unit exam.