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.
What I require of students is regular attendance (it counts), participation in discussions (it helps), occasional email commentaries, a short formal essay, and final examination to manifest your diligence in the former items. Evaluation will be as follows: attendance + participation + commentary: 33%; paper: 33%; exam: 33%. Missing more than 20% of classes 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 as per honor code; late assignments will be accepted only by prior permission of the instructor. 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).
Schedule
Week 1 (January 20) Introduction
Week 2 (January 25-27) Twelfth Night
Week 3 (Feb 1-3 Twelfth Night
Week 4 (February 8-10) Macbeth
Week 5 (February 15-17) Macbeth
Week 6 (February 22-24) Cinthio's Othello, Othello
Week 7 (Feb 29-Mar 2) Othello
(Spring break March 5-13)
Week 8 (March 14-16) Hamlet
Week 9 (March 21-23) Hamlet
Week 10 (March 28-30) Lear
Week 11 (April 4-5) Lear
Week 12 (April 11-13) Winter's Tale
8-10 pp. Essay due 12 April
Week 13 (April 18-20) Winter's Tale
Week 14 (April 25-27) The Tempest
Week 15 (May 2-4) The Tempest
Final Examination: May 10, 3:25 PM
