A study of Shakespearean drama around a thematic framework (Gender and Identity) that loosely connects the chosen plays. Besides close analysis of the various treatments of the chosen concept, characters, and language, the course will also focus on the cultural and political contexts and early modern theatrical conventions.
Prerequisite(s)
None
Corequisite(s)
None
Special Requisite(s)
None
Instructor(s)
Assoc. Prof. Gillian Alban
Course Assistant(s)
None
Schedule
Monday 10-12; Wednesday 9-11
Office Hour(s)
Wednesday 12-14
Teaching Methods and Techniques
Lectures and discussions
Principle Sources
Shakespeare, William. Romeo and Juliet. Folger Shakespeare Library. Washington: Washington Square Press, 2011.
Shakespeare, William. King Lear. Folger Shakespeare Library. Washington: Washington Square Press, 2015.
Shakespeare, William. The Tempest. Folger Shakespeare Library. Washington: Washington Square Press, 2015.
Other Sources
A Companion to Shakespeare (Blackwell Companions to Literature and Culture), ed. David Scott Kastan. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 1999.
Stephen Greenblatt. Will in the World.
Sigmund Freud 'The Three Caskets'
Course Schedules
Week
Contents
Learning Methods
1. Week
Introduction & the sonnet
Lectures and discussions
2. Week
Romeo and Juliet, Acts I, II
Lectures and discussions
3. Week
Romeo and Juliet, Act III
Lectures and discussions
4. Week
Romeo and Juliet, Acts IV, V
Lectures and discussions
5. Week
Romeo and Juliet, the tragedy of star-crossed lovers; review with Paster
Lectures and discussions
6. Week
King Lear's demands and confrontation against his daughters, Act I; Freud's The Three Caskets
Lectures and discussions
7. Week
King Lear's demands and confrontation against daughters, Acts I & II
Lectures and discussions
8. Week
Midterm Exam
9. Week
King Lear's loss of identity; Gloucester's punishment, Act III
Lectures and discussions
10. Week
King Lear Act IV
Lectures and discussions
11. Week
King Lear's tragic end, Act V; Snyder
Lectures and discussions
12. Week
The Tempest; exile on the island
Lectures and discussions
13. Week
The Tempest Act II & III
Lectures and discussions
14. Week
The Tempest Act IV & V
Lectures and discussions
15. Week
Review and Acting Shakespeare
16. Week
Study Week
17. Week
Final Exam
Assessments
Evaluation tools
Quantity
Weight(%)
Midterm(s)
1
20
Quizzes
1
40
in-class tasks
1
0
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
Employ contemporary critical concepts to comment on Shakespearean drama
LO-4
Use appropriate literary terminology in the discussion of the plays
