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 A. C. Bradley's lectures on Othello (1904) — text available online.
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; 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 17-19) Introduction, Twelfth Night
Week 2 (January 24-26) Twelfth Night
Week 3 (Jan 21-Feb 2 Macbeth
Week 4 (February 7-9) Macbeth
Week 5 (February 14-16) Othello Cinthio's Othello
Week 6 (February 21-23) Othello Bradley on Othello
Week 7 (Feb 28-Mar 1) Hamlet
(Spring break March 3-11)
Week 8 (March 13-15) Hamlet
Week 9 (March 20-22) Lear
Week 10 (March 27-29) Lear
Week 11 (April 3-5) Winter's Tale
Week 12 (April 10-12) Winter's Tale
8-10 pp. Essay due 12 April
Week 13 (April 17-19) The Tempest
Week 14 (April 24-26) The Tempest
Week 15 (May 1) Conclusion
Final Examination: Saturday May 5 7:45 AM
