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 21) Introduction
Week 2 (January 26-28) Twelfth Night
Week 3 (February 2-4 Twelfth Night
Week 4 (February 9) Johnson's Preface to Shakespeare
Week 4 (February 11) Coriolanus
Week 5 (February 16-18) Coriolanus
Week 6 (February 23-25) Othello
Week 7 (March 2-4) Othello
Week 7 (March 4) Bradley on Othello
SPRING BREAK
Week 8 (March 16-18) Hamlet
Week 9 (March 23-25) Hamlet
Week 10 (March 30-April 1) Lear
Week 11 (April 6-8) Lear
Week 12 (April 13-15) Winter's Tale
7-8 pp. Essay due 15 April
Week 13 (April 20-22) Winter's Tale
Week 14 (April 27-29) The Tempest
Week 15 (May 2-6) The Tempest
Final Examination: May 13 10:05
