A survey of Shakespearean drama by means of one exemplary play from different genres (i.e. comedy, tragedy and history). Besides close analysis of characters, themes and language, the course will also focus on the cultural and political contexts and early modern theatrical conventions. We will also be looking at the ways in which Shakespeare’s plays are adapted to contemporary media such as film and graphic novels.
Prerequisite(s)
None
Corequisite(s)
None
Special Requisite(s)
None
Instructor(s)
Assoc. Prof. Gillian Alban
Course Assistant(s)
Busra Erduracagin; etud: Wednesday 14.00-16.00
Schedule
Monday 9.00-11.00 Tuesday 9:00-11:00
Office Hour(s)
Monday 12.00-13.00
Teaching Methods and Techniques
Lectures, discussions, presentations
Principle Sources
Shakespeare, William. Macbeth. Folger Shakespeare Library. (Washington Square Press, 2003)
Shakespeare, William. Richard III. Folger Shakespeare Library. (Washington Square Press, 2005)
Shakespeare, William. The Merchant of Venice. Folger Shakespeare Library. (Washington Square Press)
(note any complete version using line numbers is acceptable)
Other Sources
A Companion to Shakespeare (Blackwell Companions to Literature and Culture), ed. David Scott Kastan. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 1999.
Russ McDonald. The Bedford Companion to Shakespeare: An Introduction with Documents. Boston: Bedford Books, 1999.
Stephen Greenblatt. Will in the World: How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare. London: Pimlico, 2005.
Jan Kott. Shakespeare Our Contemporary. tr. Boleslaw Taborski. New York: W.W. Norton Company, 1964.
Harold Bloom. Shakespeare: The Invention of the Human. New York: Riverhead Books, 1998.
Stephen Greenblatt. Tyrant: Shakespeare on Power. W. W. Norton, 2018.
Course Schedules
Week
Contents
Learning Methods
1. Week
Historical and social background to the
Renaissance Period: Renaissance Drama, Playing Companies
Lectures and discussions
2. Week
Introduction to Renaissance Tragedy, Macbeth
Lectures and discussions
3. Week
Macbeth
Lectures and discussions
4. Week
Macbeth
Lectures and discussions
5. Week
Introduction to Early Modern History play,
Richard III
Lectures and discussions
6. Week
Richard III
Lectures and discussions
7. Week
Richard III
Lectures and discussions
8. Week
Midterm Week
9. Week
Richard III
Lectures and discussions
10. Week
The Merchant of Venice, tragi-comedy
Lectures and discussions
11. Week
The Merchant of Venice
Lectures and discussions
12. Week
The Merchant of Venice
Lectures and discussions
13. Week
The Merchant of Venice
Lectures and discussions
14. Week
The Merchant of Venice
Lectures and discussions
15. Week
Study Week
16. Week
Study Week
17. Week
Final Exam
Assessments
Evaluation tools
Quantity
Weight(%)
Midterm(s)
1
20
Quizzes
2
40
Attendance
1
10
Final Exam
1
30
Program Outcomes
PO-1
Show knowledge of a substantial range of authors, movements and texts from different periods of literary history.
PO-2
Identify the intellectual, cultural and socio-historical contexts in which literature
is written and read.
PO-3
Employ the necessary skills in the reading, analysis and in appreciation of literature.
PO-4
Recognize, interpret, and comment on rhetorical and figurative language.
PO-5
Identify, distinguish between and assess the distinctive characteristics of texts written in the principle literary genres.
PO-6
Recall and define key terms and concepts relating to language, literature and/or culture.
PO-7
Recognize the role of different social and cultural contexts in affecting meaning.
PO-8
Demonstrate responsiveness to the central role of language in the creation of meaning.
PO-9
Recognize different structures and discourse functions of the English language.
PO-10
Display competence both in written and/or oral expression and in the
communication of ideas in a variety of contexts.
PO-11
Demonstrate critical skills in the close reading, description, interpretation,
and analysis of literary and non-literary texts.
PO-12
Use logical thought, critical reasoning, and rhetorical skills to effectively
construct arguments.
PO-13
Apply guided research skills including the ability to gather, sift, organize and
present information and material.
PO-14
Show competence in planning, preparation and revision of essays,
presentations, and other written and project work.
PO-15
Reflect on ethical and philosophical issues raised in literary, critical, and
cultural texts.
Learning Outcomes
LO-1
Demonstrate an understanding of Shakespeare's work and his use of poetic language
LO-2
Identify the historical and social context in which the plays were written
LO-3
Draw comparisons between the various theatrical genres employed in Shakespearean drama.
LO-4
Employ appropriate literary and critical terminology in the discussion of plays
LO-5
perform textual analysis
LO-6
Comment on the ways in which Shakespeare’s plays are transferred to other media in contemporary contexts.
