Part II
For Part II, I wanted to share the group work activity I used while teaching Julius Caesar. This activity works especially well for a class of about 32 students. (Here is Part I).
I prepared a set of discussion/presentation topics and handed them out to the students. Then, I put all of the students’ names in a basket and randomly drew two names at a time, followed by one topic. This allowed students to work with someone new and made the process fun and unpredictable. It also gave me an easy way to switch up the seating arrangement and encourage students to collaborate with different classmates.
Each class period, we watched 3–4 group presentations. Presentations had to be at least 2½ minutes long but no longer than 5 minutes. Students were graded using the rubric provided.
The students enjoyed the element of surprise, working with different classmates, and the opportunity to present their ideas to the class.
This activity also helped students become more engaged in the play and gave them a sense of ownership over their learning. When we reached a scene or idea that connected to their presentation, they were excited to recognize the connection and see their work come to life in the play.
Group Presentation Topics for Julius Caesar
Students use the rubric as a blueprint to build their presentations. During the speeches, classmates stay engaged by filling out digital Exit Tickets for each presenter. See PDF below.
1. The History of the Roman Calendar
Research the history of the Roman calendar. The first Roman calendar, borrowed from the Greeks, consisted of 10 months and 304 days. In 46 B.C., Julius Caesar reformed the calendar, creating a 12-month year with 30 or 31 days in most months. February had 29 days. Explain why Caesar changed the calendar and how his calendar influenced the one we use today.
2. Julius Caesar: His Life and Rise to Power
Research an aspect of Caesar’s life or career, including his family background, military accomplishments, rise to power, or leadership. You might also explore what ancient historians such as Suetonius and Plutarch said about Caesar’s personality, physical abilities, and military leadership. What made Caesar such a successful and influential leader?
3. Caesar’s Military and the Roman Legions
What were the Roman legions, and what was life like for a Roman soldier? Research how military service could help members of the lower classes improve their social and economic status. Explore how Roman leaders used the “spoils of war,” including money, land, and other rewards, to motivate their soldiers.
4. Roman Government
Research how the Roman Republic was governed during Caesar’s time. What was the role of the Senate? What were the responsibilities of the consuls? How did Rome’s system of checks and balances work? Explain how Caesar was able to gain more power than a typical Roman consul and why some Romans feared that he was becoming too powerful.
5. Cicero
Who was Cicero, and why was he important in Roman history? Research his career as an orator, politician, and philosopher. Explore his relationship with Caesar, Pompey, and Mark Antony. Why did Cicero support Caesar’s assassination even though he did not take part in it?
6. Caesar in Art
Italian Renaissance and later artists created famous paintings depicting events from Caesar’s life. Research and examine The Triumphs of Caesar by Andrea Mantegna and The Death of Caesar by Vincenzo Camuccini. Include images of the artworks and discuss the artists, the time periods in which the works were created, and what each artist was trying to communicate.
7. Oratory in Ancient Rome
Oratory (the art of persuading an audience through powerful and effective speech) was extremely important in ancient Rome. Research Roman orators such as Cato, Cicero, and Mark Antony. What made them effective speakers? What techniques did they use to persuade an audience? Connect your research to the speeches in Julius Caesar.
8. The Roman Forum
Research the Roman Forum, the setting for much of Act III. What was the Forum used for? What kinds of political, social, religious, and commercial activities took place there? Include images or a map of the Forum and explain why it was such an important place in Roman life.
9. Roman Currency and the Tiber River
Research Roman currency during Caesar’s time. Caesar’s will stated that each Roman citizen would receive 75 drachmas. Why would a Greek form of currency be mentioned in a Roman will? What currency did the Romans actually use? You may also research Caesar’s gift of land along the Tiber River. Explain the importance of the Tiber River to Rome and compare it with a major U.S. river.
10. Mark Antony: The Man Behind the Character
Research the real Mark Antony. What was he like outside of his role as a Roman politician and military leader? Plutarch described Antony as someone who enjoyed parties, plays, drinking, dancing, and extravagant entertainment. Compare the historical Antony with Shakespeare’s portrayal of him. How are they similar or different?
11. Who Was Octavius?
Who was Octavius, and why did he become important after Caesar’s death? Research his relationship with Caesar, his military experience, and his role in the events following the assassination. How did the young Octavius eventually become one of the most powerful people in Rome?
12. Roman Superstitions and Omens
The Romans believed that natural events could be signs from the gods. Research Roman beliefs about omens, especially birds, lightning, and other signs. What were auspices, and why were they important? Connect your research to the omens and supernatural events that appear throughout Julius Caesar.
13. The Tragic Hero
According to Aristotle, a tragic hero should be neither completely good nor completely evil. The hero’s downfall should create feelings of pity and fear in the audience, leading to catharsis, or emotional release. Research Aristotle’s definition of a tragic hero and then decide whether Brutus or Caesar fits the definition better. Use examples from the play to support your argument.
14. The Plebeians
Who were the plebeians, and what was their role in Roman society? Research the rights, responsibilities, and social status of plebeians during Caesar’s time. How much political power did they have? Connect your research to the way Shakespeare portrays the common people in Julius Caesar.
15. The Hunger Games and Julius Caesar
Suzanne Collins uses allusions and cultural references to Julius Caesar and ancient Rome in The Hunger Games. Research these connections. What characters, events, ideas, names, or themes are connected to Julius Caesar? Why might Collins have chosen to use these allusions? In your presentation, explain the connections and what they add to the story.
16. The Battle of Philippi
Research the Battle of Philippi and the events leading up to it. Find a map showing the Roman world around the time of Caesar’s death in 44 B.C. Explain where Brutus and Cassius were located and why they disagreed about their military strategy. Cassius wanted Antony’s troops to march to Sardis, while Brutus worried that delaying would allow Antony to gain more soldiers. What strategy did each man support? Who won the argument, and what happened as a result? Include a map in your presentation.
Leave a Reply