A critical study of Tudor and Stuart drama through a close reading of selected plays by Shakespeare’s contemporaries. Some of the issues we will be touching upon include political intrigue, power struggle, war, cross-dressing, adultery, murder, incest. As a part of the cultural and political contexts, the course will also focus on early modern theatrical conventions and literary rivalries. We will also discuss the parallels between Shakespeare’s plays and those of his contemporaries.
Prerequisite(s)
None
Corequisite(s)
None
Special Requisite(s)
None
Instructor(s)
Course Assistant(s)
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Schedule
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Office Hour(s)
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Teaching Methods and Techniques
Lectures and discussions
Principle Sources
English Renaissance Drama (Norton Anthology), ed. David Bevington et al. New York: W.W. Norton and Company, 2002.
Dekker, Thomas, Ford, John & Rowley, William. The Witch of Edmonton (New Mermaids) ed. Arthur F. Kinney. New York, W.W. Norton, 1998.
Other Sources
A Companion to Shakespeare (Blackwell Companions to Literature and Culture), ed. David Scott Kastan. Oxford: Wiley-Blackwell, 1999.
Kastan, David Scott and Stallybrass, Peter. Staging the Renaissance. London: Routledge, 1991.
Course Schedules
Week
Contents
Learning Methods
1. Week
Introduction
Lectures and discussions
2. Week
Spanish Tragedy (1582), Kyd
Lectures, Presentations and discussions
3. Week
Arden of Feversham (1590), Anon.
Lectures, Presentations and discussions
4. Week
Dr. Faustus (1594), Marlowe
Lectures, Presentations and discussions
5. Week
Edward II (1594), Marlowe
Lectures, Presentations and discussions
6. Week
Shoemaker’s Holiday (1599), Dekker
Lectures, Presentations and discussions
7. Week
Roaring Girl (1607), Middleton & Dekker
Lectures, Presentations and discussions
8. Week
The Knight of the Burning Pestle (1607), Beaumont & Fletcher
Lectures, Presentations and discussions
9. Week
Epicoene (1609), Jonson
Lectures, Presentations and discussions
10. Week
Duchess of Malfi (1613), Webster
Lectures, Presentations and discussions
11. Week
Bartoholomew Fair (1614), Jonson
Lectures, Presentations and discussions
12. Week
The Witch of Edmonton (1621), Rowley, Dekker & Ford
Lectures, Presentations and discussions
13. Week
Changeling (1622), Middleton & Rowley
Lectures, Presentations and discussions
14. Week
Wrap-up
Lectures and discussions
15. Week
Study Week
16. Week
Study Week
17. Week
Final Paper due
Assessments
Evaluation tools
Quantity
Weight(%)
Homework / Term Projects / Presentations
4
40
Research Papers
2
60
Program Outcomes
PO-1
Demonstrate in-depth knowledge of literary texts, authors, genres and movements.
PO-2
Display a thorough understanding of literary research methodology and different critical approaches to literature.
PO-3
Analyze texts from different theoretical perspectives.
PO-4
Develop a critical understanding of literature.
PO-5
Know how to conduct independent research in English studies.
PO-6
Articulate and share interpretation of texts and contexts in carefully constructed
arguments.
PO-7
Apply precise critical terminology in the presentation of analysis and research.
PO-8
Engage in scholarly debates about their academic subjects.
PO-9
Critically examine and use the latest research materials in their academic discipline.
PO-10
Identify the ways both explicit and implicit cultural norms and assumptions affect perceptions and judgements.
PO-11
Recognize the interdisciplinary aspects of English Studies and its complex relationship with other disciplines and forms of knowledge.
PO-12
Develop a capacity to pursue academic studies at the doctoral level.
Learning Outcomes
LO-1
Analyse poetic language and rhetorical devices of the texts by employing appropriate critical and literary terminology
LO-2
Interpret the social and political context in which the plays were written
LO-3
Employ contemporary critical concepts to comment on early modern drama.
LO-4
Compare early modern preoccupations/issues employed in the texts with those of the contemporary world and assess their relevance
LO-5
Show competence in finding, critically examining and using relevant and up-to-date research materials
