The Merchant of Venice – Research Project

Each student will be responsible for researching one of the following topics, depending on the letter you are assigned.

A’s – The role of women in Venice during the 1400’s and 1500’s

B’s – The role of Jews in Venice during the 1400’s and 1500’s

C’s – The justice and governmental system in Venice during the 1400’s and 1500’s – the role of the Doge (Duke)

D’s – Entertainment and music in Venice during the 1400’s and 1500’s


Students within a letter group may choose to work together on their presentation.

Expectations for each student include:

1. Researching the topic assigned.
2. Comparing the reality to the way the topic was portrayed in the play.
3. Preparing an outline that covers 1 and 2 above to be handed in to me.
4. Preparing an oral presentation (a minimum of 8 minutes) that covers the information in the outline. Students in a letter group may work together on their presentations, but each student must make his/her own presentation. Presentations may be made in a creative manner, including (but not limited to) poetry, drama, newscast, or any other format that will effectively impart the information to the class.
5. Preparing a works cited page in MLA format to include all sources utilized during research
   
   Grading will be based on the following criteria:
   
   4- Exceeds expectations
   
   3- Meets expectations
   
   2- Somewhat meets expectations
   
   1- Does not meet expectations