Unit
Aristotle's Elements
Created by Lea Marshall
12 lessons
Aristotle was a huge fan of the theatre. He philosophically believed in it and argued with other great thinkers at the time about the necessity and good results of theatrical pursuits. This makes him a great topic for a drama classroom unit.
Aristotle identified six elements that needed to be in a play for it to be worthy: plot, thought, character, diction, spectacle, and sound. This unit by Lea Marshall focuses on and offers exercises for each of Aristotle’s elements - from using fairy tales to examine plot, to re-imagining movie trailers to explore music.
Start here
The overview provides an introduction to the big ideas of the unit, as well as a detailed lesson-by-lesson timeline and map.
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1Lesson 1Three Philosophers Walk Into a ClassroomTo introduce students to Aristotle and his connection to theatre.
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2Lesson 2It's Element(ary), My DearTo introduce students to Aristotle’s six elements.
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3Lesson 3The Plot's the ThingTo introduce the Aristotelian element of plot.
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4Lesson 4Plotting AlongTo continue applying the Aristotelian element of plot.
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5Lesson 5Thinking About ThoughtsTo introduce the Aristotelian element of Thought.
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6Lesson 6Got Thoughts?To continue applying the Aristotelian element of Thought.
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7Lesson 7Character MattersTo introduce the Aristotelian element of Character.
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8Lesson 8Speak the SpeechTo introduce the Aristotelian element of Diction.
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9Lesson 9I Got the MusicTo introduce the Aristotelian element of Music.
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10Lesson 10Spectacular, SpectacularTo introduce the Aristotelian element of Spectacle.
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11Lesson 11Final ProjectTo have students apply what they have learned.
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12Lesson 12Bonus Lesson: The Three Vs of StorytellingThis can be a standalone lesson, or an add-on to the unit. It introduces the concept of the 3 V's: VIEWERS are looking for a VICARIOUS, VULNERABLE, and/or VISCERAL experience.
Standards Addressed
Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation - Grade 6
Perceive and analyze artistic work - Grade HS Advanced
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 6
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 7
Organize and develop artistic ideas and work - Grade 8
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade 6
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade 7
Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding - Grade 7
Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work - Grade HS Proficient
6.TH:Pr4 Select, analyze, and interpret artistic work for presentation.
Adv.TH:Re7 Perceive and analyze artistic work.
6.TH:Cn11.1 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
7.TH:Cn11.1 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
8.TH:Cr2 Organize and develop artistic ideas and work.
6.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
7.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
7.TH:Cn11.2 Relate artistic ideas and works with societal, cultural, and historical context to deepen understanding.
Prof.TH:Re9 Apply criteria to evaluate artistic work.
Sixth Grade
Seventh Grade
Eighth Grade
- DT.8.1.2.b Students Can: Share leadership and responsibilities to develop collaborative goals when preparing or devising drama/theatre work.
- DT.8.2.3.a Students Can: Identify universal themes or common social issues and express them through a drama/theatre work.
- DT.8.3.3.a Students Can: Research and discuss the playwright's intent for a drama/theatre work.
Speaking and Listening
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.1 Prepare for and participate effectively in a range of conversations and collaborations with diverse partners, building on others' ideas and expressing their own clearly and persuasively.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.2 Integrate and evaluate information presented in diverse media and formats, including visually, quantitatively, and orally.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.CCRA.SL.4 Present information, findings, and supporting evidence such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, and style are appropriate to task, purpose, and audience.
Language
Reading: Literature
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.1 Cite strong and thorough textual evidence to support analysis of what the text says explicitly as well as inferences drawn from the text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.2 Determine a theme or central idea of a text and analyze in detail its development over the course of the text, including how it emerges and is shaped and refined by specific details; provide an objective summary of the text.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.9-10.3 Analyze how complex characters (e.g., those with multiple or conflicting motivations) develop over the course of a text, interact with other characters, and advance the plot or develop the theme.
Language
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.1 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English grammar and usage when writing or speaking.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.2 Demonstrate command of the conventions of standard English capitalization, punctuation, and spelling when writing.
- CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.9-10.3 Apply knowledge of language to understand how language functions in different contexts, to make effective choices for meaning or style, and to comprehend more fully when reading or listening.
Critical Thinking & Reflection
- TH.912.C.1.3 Justify a response to a theatrical experience through oral or written analysis, using correct theatre terminology.
- TH.912.C.1.5 Make and defend conscious choices in the creation of a character that will fulfill anticipated audience response.
- TH.912.C.1.7 Justify personal perceptions of a director's vision and/or playwright's intent.
- TH.912.C.1.8 Apply the components of aesthetics and criticism to a theatrical performance or design.
Historical & Global Connections
Organizational Structure
Skills, Techniques & Processes
Grade 6 - Creating
- TA6.CR.1 Organize, design, and refine theatrical work.<br/>a. Identify artistic choices, utilize theatre vocabulary, and demonstrate non-verbal communication skills in the rehearsal process.<br/>b. Interpret a character’s motivation by understanding the relationship between their background and their behavior.<br/>c. Identify the variety of relationships between characters.<br/>d. Identify, define, and classify character traits.<br/>e. Recognize and demonstrate the roles, responsibilities, and skills associated with collaborative performance.<br/>f. Use resources to identify and create technical elements of theatre.
- TA6.CR.2 Develop scripts through theatrical techniques.<br/>a. Identify the elements of a story.<br/>b. Identify the theme and structure of a play.<br/>c. Articulate creative ideas in oral and written forms.<br/>d. Use the dramatic writing process to generate a script.<br/>e. Demonstrate the conventions of dialogue and stage directions.
Grades 9-12 - ADVANCED DRAMA LEVELS I-IV -Creating
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Responding
Grades 9-12 - FUNDAMENTALS OF THEATRE LEVELS I-IV - Connecting
Grades 9-12 - THEATRE HISTORY AND LITERATURE I AND II - Creating
Beginning High School Create
Beginning High School Present
Beginning High School Respond
Intermediate High School Respond
Accomplished High School Respond
Advanced High School Connect
Advanced High School Respond
Beginning High School Standards - Communication
- B.C.1.3 Understand how to read and write scripts that communicate conflict, plot, and character.
- B.C.2.1 Use improvisation and acting skills, such as observation, concentration, and characterization in a variety of theatre exercises.
- B.C.2.2 Interpret various selections of dramatic literature through formal and informal presentations.
Beginning High School Standards - Analysis
Beginning High School Standards - Aesthetics
Beginning High School Standards - Culture
Intermediate High School Standards - Analysis
Proficient High School Standards - Analysis
Advanced High School Standards - Culture
MS 117.211 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.211 LI - Critical evaluation and response
MS 117.212 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: production
MS 117.212 LII - Critical evaluation and response
MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding
HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: production
HS 117.317 LIII - Historical and cultural relevance
HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance
HS 117.318 LIV - Critical evaluation and response
Improvisation Drama 10
Theatre Studies Drama 10 (Greek, Medieval or Elizabethan, and Canadian)
Theatre Studies Drama 30 (Early or Middle or Late drama)
Technical Theatre/Design 10-20-30 - Management - Sound
Junior Orientation
- focus concentration on one task at a time
- listen effectively
- meet deadlines and follow through on individual and group commitments
- recognize the purposes of and participate in warmup activities
- share ideas confidently with others
- support positivity the work of others
- work cooperatively and productively with all members of the class in pairs, small groups and large groups
Improvisation/Acting Level I - Beginning
Improvisation/Acting Level II - Intermediate
Junior Goal I Objectives
Theatre Studies Level II - Intermediate (Theatre History)
Theatre Studies Level III - Advanced (The script)
Senior Goal I Objectives
Orientation Drama 10
- concentrate on the task at hand
- demonstrate effective use and management of time
- demonstrate self-discipline, self-direction and a sense of responsibility
- listen to self and others
- positively support the work of others
- recognize that values are expressed through the arts
- share ideas confidently
- work cooperatively and productively
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 6 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 7 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Exploring and creating
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Reasoning and reflecting
- Describe, interpret and evaluate how artists (dancers, actors, musicians, and visual artists) use processes, materials, movements, technologies, tools, techniques, and environments to create and communicate ideas
- Reflect on works of art and creative processes to understand artists motivations and meanings
- Respond to works of art using one’s knowledge of the world
GRADE 8 - ARTS - Communicating and documenting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Exploring and creating
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Reasoning and reflecting
GRADE 9 - DRAMA - Connecting and expanding
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 10 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 11 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Explore and Create
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Reason and reflect
GRADE 12 - DRAMA - Connect and expand
Grade 6 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing
- B2.1 express personal responses and preferences and make connections to themes and issues presented in their own and others’ drama works
- B2.2 identify a favourite scene and give reasons for their preference, using correct drama terminology to describe how the elements of drama contribute to its effectiveness
Grade 6 - Creating and Presenting
Grade 7 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing
- B2.1 construct personal interpretations of drama works, connecting drama issues and themes to their own and others’ ideas, feelings, and experiences
- B2.2 analyse and describe, using drama terminology, how drama elements are used to communicate meaning in a variety of drama works and shared drama experiences
Grade 7 - Creating and Presenting
- B1.2 demonstrate an understanding of the elements of drama by selecting and combining several elements and conventions to create dramatic effects
- B1.4 communicate feelings, thoughts, and abstract ideas through drama works, using audio, visual, and/or technological aids to heighten the dramatic experience
Grade 8 - Creating and Presenting
Grades 9 & 10 - Foundations - Responsible Practices
- C.3.2 identify and apply the skills and attitudes needed to perform various tasks and responsibilities in producing drama works (e.g., use active listening and cooperative problem-solving skills; practise punctuality; use tact in suggesting changes and improvements; demonstrate willingness to accept criticism and build consensus)
- C.3.3 demonstrate an understanding of theatre and audience etiquette, in both classroom and formal performance contexts (e.g., as a performer: show willingness to take direction and behave appropriately towards other actors; as a viewer: demonstrate respect for performers and other audience members by paying attention, not interrupting or talking, and applauding when appropriate)
Grades 9 & 10 - Creating and Presenting - Presentation Techniques & Technologies
Grade 11 - Reflecting, Responding and Analyzing - The Critical Analysis Process
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
Theatre Arts I: Introduction to Theatre
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