Step 1: Because you will be staying at Shakespeare's birth place, Stratford-Upon-Avon, you now must select the building you will occupy during theinvestigation.
- Print out the picture of the building you have chosen to reside in during your investigation. It will be turned in with your evidence folder at the end of the investigation.
- This source may assist you in step 1. Shakespeare Birthplace Trust (http://www.shakespeare.org.uk) Information on trust-maintained houses, books, records, museums, and a listing of events, including visitor locations in Stratford-Upon-Avon.
- Place Findings in Investigation Folder
Step 2: Elizabethan laws
- Were there any Elizabethan laws or practices dealing with plagiarism, copyright dates or ownership. See: http://www.southernct.edu/~watts/eliz_eng.html
- Include six to eleven sentences explaining why these laws or practices should or shouldn't be revised: is there something wrong with not having copyright laws?
- Place findings in investigation folder.
Step 3: William Shakespeare's authorship information- Find at least 9 facts (type them) about Shakespeare's life which relate to the authorship issue. Did he even exist? (In other words, who wrote Shakespeare's plays. Check out the sources page for good starting places).
- Make a T-Chart of your information. On one side place the information which proves he is the author of his works; on the other side place the information which proves he is not the author of his works.
Step 4: Wow!!! A time machine has just been invented which will transport you back to Shakespeare's time. But first you must find a costume to wear in order
to conceal your identify to the Elizabethans. Find authentic Shakespearian costumes for you to wear when you travel.
- Select a costume, print up the picture of the costume.
- On the back of the picture, write an explanation as to why you chose that costume.
- Place the picture in your evidence folder. When you enter the time machine, you will be wearing the costume you have chosen.
Step 5: You are now transported back in time somewhere between 1558 and 1603. In
England, you will find the answers to the following questions.
- Who is the ruler during this time period?
- What is the political mood in the country?
- What kind of food do people eat?
- Do people appear happy with their lives or disgruntled? Why?
- What is William Shakespeare doing?
- Are any of his plays playing?
- What do people do for livings during this time?
- What do people do for entertainment?
- List 10 more additional facts about the Elizabethans & Elizabethan England.
Place the facts in your folder.
Step 6: Compile your information and objectively decide whether or not you believe William Shakespeare is the author of his works.- As a group, write a one page persuasive argument your group's opinion on the legal ownership of Shakespeare's works. Enclose this information in your findings.
