English 153 - Fall, 2012

Topics in Drama

Topic: Advanced Shakespeare: Current Critical Approaches

Class Information

Instructor: Bloom, Gina
CRN: 22400
Time: TR 1:40-3:00
Location: 105 Olson

Description

This course is designed for students who have had some background in the study of Shakespeare (preferably at least one college-level class) and are eager to pursue a deeper investigation of the plays. Instead of choosing one over-arching rubric, the course will introduce students to a range of “hot topics” in Shakespeare scholarship over the last ten years. We will approach the plays through each of the following lenses: performance, media/adaptation, embodiment/senses, temporality/history, animal studies, and cognitive science.

In line with the goals of "Advanced Study" English courses, we will move more quickly through our study of the plays than would be the case in a typical Shakespeare course. Students should expect to read approximately one Shakespeare play and one high-level critical essay each week of the term. Additionally, in hopes of exposing students to texts they have not yet read, our syllabus will include less canonical Shakespeare plays. Students will also become familiar with journals, databases, and other resources in the field.

Students will be guided through the steps of writing a research paper, producing a series of shorter writing assignments that culminate in a research paper of 10-12 pages at the end of the quarter.

One requirement of the class will be to attend the Davis Shakespeare Ensemble’s production of Macbeth sometime between October 24 and Oct 27 (8 PM in the Davis Arboretum). We will go as a class to see the performance on Friday, Oct 26. If you cannot see the play on that date, you should arrange to see it on one of the other days.

Plays we will read include:
Henry IV, Part 2
Midsummer Night’s Dream
Macbeth
The Tempest
Two Noble Kinsmen
Two Gentlemen of Verona

The recommended textbook for the course is The Norton Shakespeare, available at the bookstore. You may use a different printed source for the plays with instructor permission. Internet/electronic editions of the plays are NOT acceptable.

Grading

Requirements include several short papers/assignments, quizzes, class participation, and a 10-12 page research paper.