Shakespeare in Pop Culture Series: A Midsummer Night’s Dream
This course is part of the Shakespeare in Pop Culture Series. Students need to have taken the Introduction course before beginning any other course in the series.
Shakespeare in Pop Culture: Introduction
Shakespeare in Pop Culture Series: Romeo & Juliet
Shakespeare in Pop Culture Series: Twelfth Night
Shakespeare in Pop Culture Series: Hamlet
In this 4-week course, students will study one play by William Shakespeare, as well as the modern adaptations of the play presented in films of present day popular culture. We will focus for three weeks on one of Shakespeare’s (primary source) plays, and the fourth week will consist of that specific play’s adaptations in modern films. I will provide all reading and viewing material for the course, as well as extra related content, with the option that students may purchase any books or films for themselves if they so choose.
The goal of the courses in this series is to learn the famous works of Shakespeare through the use of present day pop culture. Lessons will focus on themes, characters, and social significance of Shakespeare’s most famous plays in comparison to their modern re-imaginings. Assignments will range from writing analytical reports on primary and secondary sources, to students having the option to film their very own adaptations of these works. Each student should leave this course with a well rounded comprehension of the significance of Shakespeare’s works, then and now.
No live classes—view lessons on YOUR schedule. In general, expect 1.5-2.5 hours to work through the lesson plan each week, and an additional 2-5 hours working on assignments (it really depends what assignment your child chooses to do and how they manage their time). For classes with two levels, the material is the same for both—the depth of the assignments differs. Younger students should usually be placed in Level 1. Older students, or younger students who want more of a challenge, should be placed in Level 2.
Each lesson consists of a fully narrated PowerPoint presentation with images and videos to enhance the topics. Students will have access to our learning management system, Canvas, for viewing their lesson, printing worksheets, taking quizzes, viewing/submitting assignments, participating in discussions, and viewing grades/feedback. Read more details about class format.
Week 1: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Comedy):
Students will read and study the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream, acts 1-2. We will also study the different character archetypes.
Week 2: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Comedy):
Students will read and study the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream, acts 3-4. We will also explore various themes, symbols, and motifs presented in the play.
Week 3 : A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Comedy):
Students will read and study the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream, act 5. We will then break down the dramatic structure of the plot.
Week 4 : Adaptations of A Midsummer Night’s Dream:
I will provide clips or entire film files, as well as suggest other sources to find these films. This week we will study adaptations in comparison to the play A Midsummer Night’s Dream: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1999) Get Over It (2001)
Folger Shakespeare Library has the most accurate editions of these plays and is the recommended source for the plays we will read in this course series. You can download free versions of the plays here:
Folger Digital Texts
If you would like to purchase a physical book, here is a link to buy it from Amazon:
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Free Audio Book Download:
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Purchasing these films is OPTIONAL. I will provide the sections and clips from the movies that are necessary for the lesson.
Necessary sections and clips from these movies will be provided in the lessons.
Next Level Homeschool is a firm believer that not all learning should happen from behind a screen! That's why we give students the freedom to submit their assignments in the way THEY want to! We don't want regurgitation learning here. By allowing students to use their own talents, skills, and passions to complete assignments, they become even more engaged and retain the information. Why? Because now it's literally in their hands! We receive thousands of projects every year from our students: written reports, videos, models, posters, Scratch, Minecraft, Roblox, songs, poems, skits, drawings, sculptures, crafts—we've seen it ALL! And WE LOVE IT!!
Click here to view just a few projects we've received from students who have taken this class and see what YOUR kid could be learning with Next Level Homeschool!
- Schedule Fall 2025
- Activities Language Arts
- Lessons 4
- Suggested Ages 13-17 One Level
- Time This class is currently closed for enrollments.