Learning Outcomes--Brinn

Gain Shakespeare Literacy
I really enjoyed the range of sonnets and plays we read, discussed, and watched this semester. I feel more confident with my understanding of Shakespearian texts and contexts through the research I did on my own, as well as what I learned by reading about others' discoveries on the blog/Digital Dialogue. I feel I can discuss texts such as Hamlet, Henry V, King Lear, Much Ado About Nothing, Measure for Measure, and others with both people who are already familiar with these works as well as those who are not. I had a great time at the Grassroots performance of Comedy of Errors, and it made me want to attend more of their performances and invite others who may be skeptical about Shakespeare, since this is guaranteed to be a fun, positive experience. I'm glad we were encouraged to do self-directed learning as we studied the plays, as I was more proactive in studying the historical context of Henry V and possible sources of King Lear, and it really prepared me to delve into my research for Measure for Measure, both online and in the library reference section.



Analyze Shakespeare Critically
Our formal textual analysis assignment helped me recognize the use of formal poetic devices in better illustrating character/social class, emphasis on certain events/moments, themes, and possible contexts. I enjoyed being able to compare the analysis of the text alone with my experience watching the performance itself, and our discussion of performance analysis for Henry V helped me recognize elements/decisions in a live or film performance that may alter the way a play is interpreted. I also learned quite a bit from my personal study of the historical context of Henry V (and his influence in relation to Elizabethan times), and from what I read and discussed from others in the class.

Share Shakespeare Meaningfully
Well, this was a positive learning experience for me! I took opportunities to discuss my research of Henry V and other plays with my roommates, and watched Olivier's Hamlet in our apartment, so that invited discussion of the play and performance as well. I was surprised how interested they all were in discussing Shakespeare, and one of my roommates LOVES Much Ado About Nothing, so we watched clips from that play and had fun talking about them together. I also found out that a girl in my ward did the England study abroad and got to attend a performance at the Globe, and she was very excited to talk about anything Shakespeare with me. It was a little out of my comfort zone to post my tentative thesis on Facebook, even as a message to friends and family members, but it turned out well! No one had read my play, Measure for Measure, but my-former-English-professor-grandfather (surprisingly--I didn't know he was so active online) responded to my thesis/question, and had some good research suggestions to help me get started in the right contextual direction. I had never used Twitter before, but it was interesting to see how much educated people are discussing and having fun with Shakespeare online. I also hadn't used Goodreads, but I'm glad I joined for this class! I'll definitely keep using that site in the future. For my Measure for Measure analysis research, I joined a Shakespeare group and posted my main question on the discussion board. A gentleman in the UK was kind enough to direct me to a specific chapter in a book that we happened to have in the BYU library, which was helpful in my research. I also posted on a couple of Shakespeare-related blogs, but no response. Still, it was an educational experience even in those cases.
I enjoyed being able to discuss the stages of my formal writing process on the blog and get feedback from classmates throughout the process. A few days ago I was also able to have my grandfather look over my final draft and he gave a few suggestions that helped me improve my paper and my overall writing style. It also enriched my relationship with my grandfather.
I also shared my religious sonnet with my missionary sister, and she wrote a letter in response saying that she shared and discussed it with her companion, so it strengthened their relationship as well as ours.

Gain Digital Literacy
This was my first experience sharing my writing process so publicly, especially online, and it was good for me to learn about the different online venues for studying, discussing, having fun with, performing, and publishing Shakespeare-related work. I also had fun with the interactive element, and was very excited about the fact that someone on the other side of the world could give suggestions to help me with my research for my paper!

Final Thoughts
This semester with Shakespeare has been FUN! I have really enjoyed getting to know more of Shakespeare's works, and sharing these experiences with others both inside and outside of the classroom setting. I already have a list of other Shakespearean works I want to read/watch, and a couple of people I plan to "win over" to the idea that Shakespeare can be enjoyable and directly applicable to our lives, not boring and passé.