In this introduction to Shakespeare we will read a selection of favorite plays and discuss what makes comedy comic, tragedy tragic, and Shakespeare Shakespeare. We will also take up the tricky relationship between "page and stage" as a way of enhancing the reading experience of the plays.
There is no paper assigned in this introductory course: evaluation will be based on two quizzes (30%), a midterm (30%) and a final examination (40%). Since this is a lecture course, the main thing required is to show up having read the play (bring the text with you to class so you can follow along). Penalties may be imposed for regularly missing classes. All work is expected to be your own as per honor code. Students needing accomodations should see me at the beginning of term.
Books: I've ordered the Norton Shakespeare for our primary text; if you already have a college textbook edition you my use that. That set passed down from your grandparents may be a handsome thing, but it is not what is needed for present purposes: Shakespeare can be passing strange, and we need the benefit of a full set of glosses and an unexpurgated text ("family Shakespeares" edit out the naughty jokes or let them go unglossed).
Week 1 (January 20-22) Introduction, Merry Wives
Week 2 (January 27-29) Merry Wives
Week 3 (February 3-5 Merry Wives , Henry V
Week 4 (February 10-12) Henry V
Week 5 (February 17-19) Henry V , Merchant of Venice
February 19: Quiz 1
Week 6 (February 24-26) Merchant of Venice
Week 7 (March 3) Merchant of Venice
March 5: in class midterm exam
(Spring break March 7-15)
Week 8 (March 17-19) Macbeth
Week 9 (March 24-26) Macbeth
Week 10 (March 31-April 2) Hamlet
Week 11 (April 7-9) Hamlet
Week 12 (April 14-16) Lear
Week 13 (April 21-23) Lear
April 23: Quiz 3
Week 14 (April 28-30) The Tempest
Week 15 (May 5) The Tempest
Final Examination: May 9 1:05 PM