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.

1

Lesson 1

Three Philosophers Walk Into a Classroom

To introduce students to Aristotle and his connection to theatre.
2

Lesson 2

It's Element(ary), My Dear

To introduce students to Aristotle’s six elements.
3

Lesson 3

The Plot's the Thing

To introduce the Aristotelian element of plot.
4

Lesson 4

Plotting Along

To continue applying the Aristotelian element of plot.
5

Lesson 5

Thinking About Thoughts

To introduce the Aristotelian element of Thought.
6

Lesson 6

Got Thoughts?

To continue applying the Aristotelian element of Thought.
7

Lesson 7

Character Matters

To introduce the Aristotelian element of Character.
8

Lesson 8

Speak the Speech

To introduce the Aristotelian element of Diction.
9

Lesson 9

I Got the Music

To introduce the Aristotelian element of Music.
10

Lesson 10

Spectacular, Spectacular

To introduce the Aristotelian element of Spectacle.
11

Lesson 11

Final Project

To have students apply what they have learned.
12

Lesson 12

Bonus Lesson: The Three Vs of Storytelling

This 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

MS 117.211 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding

MS 117.211 LI - Creative Expression: production

C.3.C collaborate to plan brief dramatizations.

MS 117.211 LI - Critical evaluation and response

MS 117.212 LII - Critical evaluation and response

MS 117.213 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding

MS 117.213 LIII - Creative Expression: production

B.3.D use technology in theatrical applications such as live theatre, video, and film.

HS 117.315 LI - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding

HS 117.315 LI - Critical evaluation and response

C.5.D evaluate live theatre in written and oral form with precise and specific observations using appropriate evaluative theatre vocabulary such as intent, structure, effectiveness, and value.

HS 117.316 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding

HS 117.317 LIII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding

C.1.D analyze and evaluate dramatic structure and genre.

HS 117.317 LIII - Creative Expression: production

C.3.B analyze and evaluate dramatic texts as a basis for technical discussions, considering themes, settings, times, literary styles, genres, and characters.

HS 117.317 LIII - Historical and cultural relevance

C.4.B analyze ways in which theatre, television, and film play a role in our daily lives and influence our values and behaviors.

HS 117.318 LIV - Creative Expression: performance

C.2.E create individually or devise collaboratively imaginative scripts and scenarios.

HS 117.318 LIV - Critical evaluation and response

C.5.F employ technology such as portfolios, research projects, and journals to communicate and present findings in a clear and coherent manner.

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Aristotle's Elements

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

High School - Advanced Pathway

Speaking and Listening

Language

Reading: Literature

Language

Writing

Critical Thinking & Reflection

Historical & Global Connections

Organizational Structure

Skills, Techniques & Processes

Grade 6 - Creating

Grade 6 - Responding

Grade 6 - Connecting

Grade 7 - Creating

Grade 7 - Responding

Grade 7 - Connecting

Grade 8 - Creating

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

Grades 9-12 - THEATRE MANAGEMENT - 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

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 - Creative Expression: production

MS 117.211 LI - Critical evaluation and response

MS 117.212 LII - Foundations: Inquiry and Understanding

MS 117.212 LII - Creative Expression: performance

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 117.315 LI - Critical evaluation and response

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