Sex after Shakespeare (261-0-20)

Instructors

Scott Andrew Sowerby
847/491-7356
Harris Hall Room 207

Meeting Info

Harris Hall 107: Tues, Thurs 2:00PM - 3:20PM

Overview of class

This course investigates the history of sexuality in early modern England by examining the social norms that shaped behavior. Notions of what was normative and what was aberrant were constantly being tested. Public scandals served as moments of stress, revealing the cultural faultlines in the changing world of early modern England. Behavior that was considered appropriate in one venue spilled out into other venues where it was considered unseemly. These cultural energies found their way into plays and poems, which reenacted the wider struggles over social norms.

Learning Objectives

Students will learn how to interpret historical documents, how to frame a historical argument based on primary sources, and how to critique popular narratives about early modern sexuality.

Evaluation Method

1. Participation, including six one-page response papers. 25% 2. Passage analysis (three to four pages). 15% 3. Midterm examination. 30% 4. Final examination. 30%

Class Notes

Concentration:European

Class Attributes

Ethical and Evaluative Thinking Foundational Disci
Historical Studies Foundational Discipline
Historical Studies Distro Area

Associated Classes

DIS - University Hall 312: Thurs 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Harris Hall L04: Thurs 10:00AM - 10:50AM

DIS - Harris Hall L04: Thurs 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - University Hall 112: Thurs 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - Harris Hall L04: Thurs 12:00PM - 12:50PM

DIS - University Hall 218: Thurs 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - University Hall 318: Thurs 1:00PM - 1:50PM

DIS - University Library 4722: Fri 11:00AM - 11:50AM

DIS - University Hall 112: Fri 1:00PM - 1:50PM