Midterm Status Update

How have I worked toward completing the learning outcomes in the last month?
What would I like to do to fill in my weak spots?

1. Gain Shakespeare Literacy
I have added 4 plays and a brief dabble of sonnets to my arsenal of Shakespeare's works. A would also be comfortable discussing in depth about a handful of plays including these. I believe my understanding of The Tempest and The Merchant of Venice are the deepest. I have also watched a few performances of Hamlet and a stage production of The Merchant of Venice. I have also found some current references to Shakespeare in Dr. Who and in a children's book that are part of his legacy today.
To Do:
- I will post a comparison between the David Tennat and the Kenneth Branagh films of Hamlet.
- I need to do some close readings and analysis of the language.

2. Analyze Shakespeare Critically 
I found some connections with Shakespeare's themes or plots, specifically in The Merchant of Venice and twice in The Tempest (and here). I have found out a lot of the historical background and context for his works. Specifically about humorism, the stage, and about the many versions of the plays. I believe that I am strong in this contextual analysis.
To Do:
- I need to do some detailed textual analysis, like with my idea about researching what are truly Shakespearean words. I would like to find out what words and phrases that we use that are from him. (This would maybe count under #1 learning outcome as well.)
3. Engage Shakespeare Creatively
I picked a song that reminded me of The Tempest and explained how the lyrics connected with the characters and their feelings in the story: Heaven by Brian Adams.
To Do:
- I have decided to memorize and record the ending soliloquy from Midsummer Night's Dream. I believe that I will be able to do this well, because I performed it about 5 years ago. I am sad that I no longer have it memorized, therefore I would like to work on that again. Also I believe this is relevant to all Shakespearean works because it references play production in general.
- I would also like to record a scene with someone else. Maybe the scene from Henry V were the princes is trying to learn English? That could be funny.
- I am definitely keeping my eye open for song-writing opportunities as well.
4. Share Shakespeare Meaningfully
I have talked a lot about Shakespeare outside of class. I have discussed it with many people, especially my roommates. I have also posted and read others' blogs. I have experienced a flow of ideas all about Shakespeare.
To Do:
- I would like to go around my apartment complex with a survey about Shakespeare. I have not be able to do this yet, but I plan on seeing what quotes are the most famous among BYU students and what they mean to people.
- I am also interested to see if Shakespeare is studies in other languages. Especially because of my connection with Japan, and because it is such a different language than English, I would like to look into that specifically.
5. Gain Digital Literacy
This blog and the amount of posts I have created and consumed are a testament to my digital literacy. None of this would have been possible before this semester. I have grabbed and tried to move forward with others' blogs by linking them with mine. (With this I have also made a trip to the library to read up on some research on Shakespeare as well as looking for online sources, which I will be posting about later.)
To Do:
- I will start using other outside sources for Shakespeare (like the ones we saw in class) and use them to learn and connect on my own blog.