Introduction to Shakespeare (234-0-01)
Instructors
Susan E Phillips
Meeting Info
Harris Hall L07: Tues, Thurs 9:30AM - 10:50AM
Overview of class
This course will introduce students to a range of Shakespeare's comedies, tragedies, histories and romances. During the quarter, we will be considering these plays in their Early Modern context—cultural, political, literary and theatrical. We will focus centrally on matters of performance and of text. How is our interpretation of a play shaped by Shakespeare's various "texts"— his stories and their histories, the works of his contemporaries, the latest literary fashions, and the various versions of his plays that circulated among his audience? Similarly, how do the details of a given performance, or the presence of a particular audience, alter the experience of the play? To answer these questions, we will consider not only the theaters of Early Modern England, but also recent cinematic versions of the plays, and we will read only our modern edition of Shakespeare but also examining some pages from the plays as they originally circulated. Our readings may include Much Ado About Nothing, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Merchant of Venice, Othello, Macbeth, and the Tempest.
Teaching Method
Lectures with discussion; required weekly discussion section.
Evaluation Method
Section attendance and participation, discussion board posts, a midterm, a scene performance and short papers.
Class Materials (Required)
Texts will be available at: Norris Center Bookstore. The required textbook is The Norton Shakespeare, 3rd ed. Stephen Greenblatt et al. ISBN 978-0393934991 (approximate cost $95 new; $48 used; copies of the 1st and 2nd editions may also be used).
Class Attributes
Literature & Fine Arts Distro Area
Associated Classes
DIS - University Hall 418: Fri 9:00AM - 9:50AM
DIS - University Hall 418: Fri 9:00AM - 9:50AM
DIS - University Hall 312: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - University Library 4670: Fri 10:00AM - 10:50AM
DIS - University Hall 018 English: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - Harris Hall L05: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM
DIS - University Hall 018 English: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM
DIS - University Hall 118: Fri 12:00PM - 12:50PM