Shakespeare in 60 Seconds
Multimedia: Secondary Cycle 2
April-May 2010
Mr. Stephen Kohner
Name: ________________
Introduction:
You will be required to integrate the ELA unit on Romeo and Juliet with a multimedia
production. You will write a script based on one scene from the play, the scene lasting about 60
seconds (it is “readable” in that amount of time). With a combination of images and text, you will
use ComicLife software to create your final product. The final product will be a comic book-type
publication.
The finer points:
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Some ELA time will be used to write the script (text to be evaluated as part of ELA)
You will use the same characters from the play and you must be true to the storyline (but not
necessarily the vernacular).
The word count will be about 200 words (including narration – text boxes).
Appropriate literary techniques must be used; attention to word choice/vocabulary is
essential.
You will need to create a template using draft pages available in ComicLife
The script must be word-processed so that it can be copy/pasted into ComicLife. Use the
template from my Wiki to assist you.
You will use a variety of images to create your comic book. These images can be a
combination of photographs*, images, call-outs, clipart, etc. The images may be self-created,
pre-existing, or a combination of the two
ComicLife might only be installed on a limited number of computers (9 to 10). You are,
therefore, allowed to work with one partner. You will be evaluated individually for the work
you contribute (pick a partner you can rely on and ensure the work is shared).
ComicLife is available for you to download free of charge as a 30-day trial. It is available for
PCs and Macs at http://plasq.com/downloads. (licenses?)
All files must be kept in a folder named “shakespeare” in your multimedia folder of your
USB drive. You are expected to have your USB with you in order to save your work. BE
PREPARED.
* Your own “staged” photographs may prove to be the best source for images.
Evaluation:
• As per rubric (see reverse)
ComicLife:
Comic Strip Rubric
CATEGORY
THOROUGH
Creativity
(20)
PARTIAL
The script contains a
few creative details
and/or descriptions, but
they distract from the
script making it
somewhat difficult to
understand.
Dialogue / Text /
There is not quite
Vocabulary
enough dialogue or
(script)
text in this story, but it
(20)
is always clear which
character is speaking.
Use of narration is
somewhat ineffective.
Vocabulary is of a
(ELA)
lower than expected
level.
Illustrations / Images / Images are detailed,
Images are somewhat Images relate to the
(20)
attractive, creative and detailed, attractive, and text on the page.
relate to the text on the relate to the text on the Adequate range of
page. Very-wide range page. Wide range of images
of images.
images.
Title Page
(8)
The script contains
many creative details
and/or descriptions that
contribute to the
reader's comprehension
and enjoyment of the
comic
There is an appropriate
amount of dialogue
and text to bring the
characters to life and it
is always clear which
character is speaking.
Vocabulary is of a high
level
ACCEPTABLE
The script contains a
few creative details
and/or descriptions that
contribute to the
reader's comprehension
and enjoyment of the
comic.
There is too much
dialogue and text in
this story, but it is
always clear which
character is speaking.
Vocabulary is of an
acceptable level
MINIMAL
There is little evidence
of creativity in the
script. Script is
difficult to understand.
It is not clear which
character is speaking.
Lack of narration to
help move the plot
along. Vocabulary is of
a below-grade level.
Images are not present
OR they are not
original. Images lack
consistency and
content.
Title page has a
Title page has the title, Title page has the 3 of Title page has fewer
graphic or fancy
student’s name, school, the 4 required
than 3 of the required
lettering, has the title, and the month/year.
elements.
elements.
student’s name, school,
and month/year.
(ELA)
Grammar and Syntax
(12)
(ELA)
Use of codes and
conventions / literary
techniques
(10)
(ELA)
Classroom work
(Work habits)
(10)
COMMENTS:
Grammar and usage
were correct and
contributed to clarity,
style and character
development.
Grammar and usage
were typically correct
and errors did not
detract from the
presentation.
Grammar and usage
were typically correct
but errors detracted
from presentation.
Repeated errors in
grammar and usage
detracted greatly from
the presentation.
Script shows effective
and consistent use of
literary techniques
including language,
irony, metaphor,
oxymoron,
numerology, etc.
Student used all of the
class periods in an
appropriate manner
Script shows some
effective use of literary
techniques including
language, irony,
metaphor, oxymoron,
numerology, etc.
Script shows
occasional use of
literary techniques
including language,
irony, metaphor,
oxymoron,
numerology, etc.
Student used most of Student used some of
the class periods in an the class periods in an
appropriate manner
appropriate manner.
Lack of some
organizational skills.
Script shows little or
ineffective use of
literary techniques
including language,
irony, metaphor,
oxymoron,
numerology, etc.
Student failed to use
class periods in an
appropriate manner on
numerous occasions.
Lack of organizational
skills.