Shakespeare
Class Information
Instructor: Dolan, Frances
Time: MWF 10:00-10:50
Location: 1150 Hart
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% 6 quizzes (Quizzes cannot be made up but we will drop the lowest grade)
5% attendance
10% section participation
20% final exam
Texts
Othello (Folger), Shakespeare, William/ed. Mowat
Measure for Measure (Folger), Shakespeare, William/ed. Mowat
Much Ado (Folger edition), Shakespeare, William/ed. Mowat
As You Like It (New Pelican edition), Shakespeare, William/ed. Dolan
Titus Andronicus (Folger), Shakespeare, William/ed. Mowat
The Winter's Tale (New Pelican edition), Shakespeare, William/ed. Dolan