Approaches to Shakespeare Shakespeare as contemporary cultural icon
Another possible activity is to pursue the 'currency' of Shakespeare by asking student teachers to discuss where references to the Bard can be found. There are many contemporary references: Shakespeare's image as a hallmark of quality on credit cards and banknotes; film versions of the plays, or films, like Ten Things I Hate About You or O, based on the plays; Shakespearean words and phrases that have become embedded in everyday speech and writing; advertising; pub signs; the Stratford industry. In groups student teachers can prepare a poster montage or collage showing this. Again student teachers should be encouraged to see how such an activity could be used in their own classrooms to allow pupils to share their own knowledge of Shakespeare as a 'cultural icon'.
