English 117 - Spring, 2015

Shakespeare

Class Information

Instructor: Ferguson, Margaret
Time: MWF 10:00-10:50
Location: 146 Olson

Description

This course studies five plays in different genres and from different moments in Shakespeare's career: two comedies, _The Taming of the Shrew_ and _Twelfth Night_; a problem play, _Measure for Measure_; a tragedy, _Hamlet_, and a late romance, _The Tempest_. We will focus on the plays' treatments of family relations, education, marriage, religion, and gender and sexuality; and we'll look closely at the plays both as printed objects that have changed over time and as theatrical "properties" that have been used—and revised-- for performances from Shakespeare's era to our own. Inexpensive paperback texts of plays in the Folger Shakespeare Library's editions have been ordered at the UC Davis bookstore; there will also be a Smart Site with some required readings as well as recommended readings for your essays.


Grading

10% of your grade will be based on your work in discussion section, and another 10% will be based on homework, in-class writing exercises, quizzes, and attendance at lectures. There will be two papers, of 5 and 7 pp. respectively; the first will be 20% and the second, 25% of your grade. There will also be a midterm (15%) and a final (20%).

Texts

The Taming of the Shrew , Shakespeare
Twelfth Night, Shakespeare
Hamlet, Shakespeare
The Tempest, Shakespeare
Measure for Measure, Shakespeare