HAMLET MEDIA CONVERSION PROJECT (AOL)

As intelligent consumers and interpreters of media (text, audio, or visual), it is important for us to understand the conventions of these media sources to understand how meaning can be shaped and created by form and selection of content.

TASK:   Produce a second media translation that you can present and explain

Part 1 – Creating a Second Hamlet Medium

1. Take ideas/elements (e.g., content, theme, character, imagery, symbols/conflict, plot, etc.) from Shakespeare’s original script of Hamlet, and translate them into another medium. Your media conversion should address 3-4 literary elements.

 

2. Study samples of the second medium to understand what conventions shape its form and content (e.g., observe menus from several different restaurants; check out all the packaging as you cruise the aisles of Wal-Mart toy section, read your cereal box more carefully in the morning, etc.).

 

3. Create your Hamlet Media Conversion. You may choose from the list below or create your own idea.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

POSSIBLE MEDIA CHOICES:  Choose your own media text (medium) for this translation process or select one from the following list:

 

●      Cereal Box

●      Packaged Children’s Toy

●      Game (Video or Board)

●      Documentary Film

●      Movie Trailer

●      Box of Chocolates

●      TV Guide

●      Children’s Story: Book (e.g., Dr. Seuss); Cartoon (e.g., Dora); Oral Storytelling

●      Wal-Mart Flyer

●      Blog/Vlog

●      Restaurant Menu

●      Comic (Web or Paper)

●      Radio Interview

 

Part 2 – Written Portion

 

Examine the problems of choosing a medium and the parts of Hamlet you wish to ‘translate’ for the purpose of this project.  (E.g. How did you arrive at your final decision? Why were other choices rejected?) [1 paragraph response]

 

Outline how you came to understand the conventions of the medium you chose. [1 paragraph response]

 

Analyse your process for addressing other problems which arose in the production of the text.  Reflect on what you learned about how you approach a project like this.  How might you do things the same or differently when undertaking a similar exercise?  [1 paragraph response]

 

 

Outline how you deepened your understanding of Shakespeare’s play and the media form you chose for your translation.[1 paragraph response]

 

 

HAMLET MEDIA CONVERSION PROJECT CHECKBRIC

 

Curriculum Expectations

Mark

Knowledge
and Understanding /10

□     Demonstrates knowledge of play’s plot, themes, imagery, symbols,
issues, character, etc… (3 Marks)

□     Demonstrates knowledge of 2nd  medium’s purpose and its ability to create
meaning (3 Marks)

□     Uses evidence from the play to support media product and story
elements (4 Marks)

 

 

Thinking
and Inquiry /10

□     Reflects on strengths and improvements both orally and in the
creative process (5 Marks)

□     Explores strengths and weaknesses of process (5 Marks)

 

 

 

Communication
/10

□     Analyzes and synthesizes elements of play through the 2nd
medium (3 Marks)

□     Creates 2nd medium and effectively uses the conventions of
the 2nd medium (5 Marks)

□     Presents medium in appropriate/attractive manner (2 Marks)

 

Application
/10

□     Makes connections between play and 2nd medium which
demonstrate breadth of ideas, creativity, insight (5 Marks)

□     Clearly communicates in written work (5 Marks)

 

 

Total:

/40