This course has been newly designed and created for non-English-majors
who recognize that a university experience is not complete without at
least one Shakespeare class but who may hesitate to enroll in a 300-level
class they think will be filled with lots of literary and language
virtuosi.
So, we'll read and see (in lots of film clips, at least) some Shakespeare
plays, most of which will be selected by class vote. We'll give some
heretical consideration to the Authorship Controversy and Tudor Cover-Up.
We'll see a lot of Shakespeare in film clips, and we'll take advantage of
any film adaptations or local performances appearing this season.
Why you want this course:
- You can finally work past the trauma of high school
Shakespeare.
- Shakespeare essentially created our conception of what a human being
is, of human psychology and human relationships. In other words,
Shakespeare created us.
- How can you accept a university degree without having taken a
Shakespeare class?
- Shakespeare shaped the English language more than anyone else,
ever.
- It may be your last chance to master this key field of subtle
literacy.
- Shakespeare cultivates sensitivity and sensibility. How much of that
is in circulation these days?
To gain exposure to Renaissance (or Early Modern) thought, poetic craft,
and drama by poring over the works of one rather well-known English
author.
To increase intellectual maturation and clarification of our own values
through examination of ideas and attitudes in literary/cultural contexts
and through articulation of these.
To develop skills in verbal analysis, critical thinking, and detection of
subtlety through reading, discussion, and writing about some tricky
literature.
A significant part of your life this semester has to become
Shakespeare studies. Studying this stuff can be demanding, but at least
we'll be doing it together as a "learning community."
Because classroom interaction is essential for this to be a valuable
experience, and because frequent quizzes and homework writings will be
exchanged and no late assignments of any sort will be accepted,
more than a few absences will affect your grade regardless of reason.
Here's the math:
I will frequently ask for relatively minor homework assignments to be
turned in (or submitted electronically), designed primarily to stimulate
subsequent discussion [although it will arise anyway because the readings
are so provocative (i.e., cool)] and to practice conventions for writing
about literature. At other times I will ask you to answer questions in
writing in class, often ad lib responses to the reading before class
discussion begins. Homework assignments and quizzes will receive
numerical grades (points) and, although these writings cannot be made up
(except for a couple optional writings that can take their place), the
final semester totals will be curved if
necessary. (30%)
You will submit two written projects of manageable
length. (30%)
Your presence will be kindly requested at three
exams. (30%)
Class participation and other service to the learning community will
be expected (occasional group work, for example). (10%)
