English 117 - Fall, 2013

Shakespeare

Class Information

Instructor: Dolan, Frances
Time: TR 12:10-1:30
Location: 207 Olson

Description

This course will closely examine a selection of Shakespeare’s plays. In order to consider what dramatic genre means and the difference it makes, we will consider how Shakespeare depicts the same problem—jealousy and false accusation—in three different genres, comedy (MUCH ADO ABOUT NOTHING), tragedy (OTHELLO), and a late play or romance (THE WINTER'S TALE). This approach will also enable us to think about changes in the course of Shakespeare’s career. In addition to these three plays, we will also read AS YOU LIKE IT and HAMLET. These are all challenging plays; they are also some of my particular favorites. Lecture and discussion will focus on locating the plays in their historical contexts, reading and re-reading the texts carefully, imagining performance possibilities, and speculating about how the plays’ meanings have changed over time. Students will hone their reading, writing, and research skills.



Grading

15% 1st paper
20% 2nd paper
15% Midterm
20% 5 quizzes and class participation (Quizzes cannot be made up but we will drop the lowest grade)
10% section participation
20% final exam

Texts

Othello (Norton Critical edition), Shakespeare, William/ed. Pechter
Much Ado (Folger edition), Shakespeare, William/ed. Mowat
Winter's Tale (Bedford edition), Shakespeare, William/ed. DiGangi
As You Like It (New Pelican edition), Shakespeare, William/ed. Dolan
Hamlet (new Pelican edition), Shakespeare, William, ed. Braunmuller