Syllabus
Our course will triangulate between three areas of concern: Shakespeare as a figure in history, Shakespeare as moral teacher, and Shakespeare as a literary craftsman. Since all of these areas are intimately connected and thoroughly problematic, there should be plenty for us to talk about. We will also read two classic works in Shakespeare criticism, Samuel Johnson's Preface to the Works of Shakespeare (1765) and A. C. Bradley's lectures on Othello (1904) — texts available online.
What I require of students is regular attendance (it counts), participation in discussions (it helps), a 300-word email commentary for each play, a short formal essay, and final examination to manifest your diligence in the former items. Evaluation will be as follows: attendance + participation + commentary: 50%; paper: 25%; exam: 25%. Missing more than 20% of classes, for whatever reason, will hurt your grade; thoughtful questions and remarks in class and in the commentary will enhance your grade. All work is expected to be your own; late assignments will be accepted only by prior permission of the instructor.
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).
Schedule
Week 1 (January 17) Introduction
Week 2 (January 22-24) Twelfth Night
Week 3 (January 29-31 Twelfth Night
Week 4 (February 5) Johnson's Preface to Shakespeare
Week 4 (February 7) Coriolanus
Week 5 (February 12-14) Coriolanus
Week 6 (February 19-21) Othello
Week 7 (February 26-28) Othello
Week 7 (February 28) Bradley on Othello
SPRING BREAK March 3-11
Week 8 (March 12-14) Hamlet
Week 9 (March 19-21) Hamlet
Week 10 (March 26-28) Lear
Week 11 (April 2-4) Lear
Week 12 (April 9-11) Winter's Tale
7-8 pp. Essay due 9 April
Week 13 (April 16-18) Winter's Tale
Week 14 (April 23-25) The Tempest
Week 15 (April 30-May 2) The Tempest
Final Examination: Monday 7 May 2:05-4:05
