05+Topics+&+Resources

**Introduction**
There are many topics to choose from. However, each topic may only be researched by 2 students, so if you do not choose early, you may have to choose another! If there is a topic that you would like to research, but it is not listed here, please ask.

For the Citation Assignment, 2 sources must be from one of the following databases/scholarly sources listed below or a database from the Westmont Public library. toc

**Best Databases @ WPL**
//(For login information, visit Library Database Links //  ) History Resource Center Kids Search Literary Reference Center World Book

[|Working Bibliography of Romeo & Juliet Database Articles]

**General**
[|Catalog of Scientific Community in 16th & 17th Centuries] [|Elizabethan Costuming Page] [|Elizabethan Images] [|Elizabethan Theatre] [|Manners & Courtesy Through the Ages]. [|Life & Times of Queen Elizabeth] [| NationMaster]. Country comparisons using graphs, maps. Huge database of world statistics. Reference site contains country statistics, maps, flags, graphs and pie charts including biographies of significant historical figures. [|Oxford Shakespeare] : Large selection of literature, reference materials including biographies and geographical information. [| Primary Sources] : Eyewitness accounts of people and events in Tudor England; Journals, Letters, etc., 1500's [|Renaissance, The Elizabethan World]. | [|Renaissance Sites and Elizabethan Resources.] [|Renaissance Image Gallery] [|Theatre Database] : Detailed articles on theatre from ancient history through 21st century. [| World Images]. Over 75,000 images dating back to Shakespearean times.

**Shakespeare Specific**
[|Encyclopedia Britannica's Guide to Shakespeare]. [|Shakespeare's Food Posies]. A guide to Shakespeare's use of food in his writings/ [|Shakespeare's Life & Times] [|Shakespeare Resource Center] Collection of Internet sites related to Shakespeare. [|William Shakespeare and the Internet].

**Reference Resources**
[|Shakespeare Bookshelf] [|Shakespearean Grammar]

common people women nobility common women merchant class monarchy Kings Queens
 * **Who** || **What** || **When** || **Where** ||
 * nobility

Shakespeare, William Elizabeth I Queen of England Queen of Great Britain Good Queen Bess The Virgin Queen King James I || marriage rites customs courtship roles professions occupations economics || sixteenth century seventeenth century renaissance Elizabethan age || London history British history Tudor History Italy history, Verona history ||

**Topics**
Describe the marriage rites and customs of the 16th century. Consider both the common people and the nobility. How have marriage rites and customs changed since this time? How have they stayed the same?

What was the place and/or role of women in 16th century society? Describe some professions they held. Be sure to consider both women of the nobility and common women. How have women’s roles changed today? How have they stayed the same?

Present some of the discoveries and advances of Shakespeare’s time in the areas of science and exploration. Consider names such as Galileo, Bacon, Keppler, Drake, and Raleigh. Compare advances to those of today, talk about at least 2 important advances since 2000.

Tell about the Globe Theatre. Concentrate on the structure, seating, etc. Be sure to include information about the modern reconstruction. Compare The Globe to one Chicago theatre—you will need to research these.

Tell about theatre conventions of the 16th century. Include the use of props, scenery, staging, costumes, casting, etc. How have theatre conventions changed today—discuss at least 2 comparisons.

Tell about William Shakespeare’s personal and professional life. Give specific details beyond dates. If he were alive today, what would he like and dislike?

What was 14th century Verona, Italy like? Describe its attributes: housing, climate, clothes, location, etc. Compare it to Chicago/Westmont in at least 2 ways?

What were the top five professions/jobs in the 16th century? Describe and explain them as fully as possible. What are the top five jobs today—you will also need to research these, compare them to the jobs of the 16th century.

Research the life of Queen Elizabeth I. Give interesting facts and details beyond dates. Compare her to one modern-day leader.

What was London like in the 16th century? Be specific with information on size, population, neighborhoods, etc. How does it compare with present day London?

Describe the Renaissance in England. What was it, what years did this period cover, what were the major events and their impact, etc.? Compare the Renaissance to today? Are there any similarities?

Describe the fashions of the Elizabethan Age. What did women wear? What about the men and children? The nobility? Compare to the fashions of today, discuss at least 2 examples and provide reasons why you think fashion has changed.

What was the Reformation? Explain its importance. Compare religion of this time to religion of today? How and why have things changed?

Who was King James? Research his life. Give interesting details beyond dates. Compare him to a leader in a similar capacity today in at least 2 ways.

Discuss medicine of Shakespeare’s time. What was the Black Death? Compare to medicine today, are there any similarities?