SHAKESPEARE II

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 pay particular attention to how Shakespeare adapts his themes to narrative forms (comedy, tragedy, romance) and how he uses his plays to comment on the dynamics of theatricality in both life and art.

What I require of students is regular attendance, participation in discussions, email commentaries, a short research paper, and final examination to manifest your diligence in the former items. Evaluation will be as follows: participation + commentaries: 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 17-29) Introduction, Twelfth Night I

Week 2 (January 25-26) Twelfth Night II-III

Week 3 (January 30-Feb 2 Twelfth Night IV-V, Macbeth I

Week 4 (February 7-9) Macbeth II-III

Week 5 (February 14-16) Macbeth, IV-V Cinthio's Othello, Othello I

Week 6 (February 21-23) Othello II-III

Week 7 (Feb 28-Mar 2) Othello IV-V, Hamlet I

(Spring break March 4-12)

Week 8 (March 14-16) Hamlet II-III

Week 9 (March 21-23) Hamlet IV-V, Lear I

Week 10 (March 28-30) Lear II-III

Week 11 (April 4-6) Lear IV-V, Winter's Tale I

Week 12 (April 11-13) Winter's Tale II-IV

8-10 pp. Research Paper due 11 April

Week 13 (April 18-20) Winter's Tale V, The Tempest I

Week 14 (April 25-27) The Tempest II-III

Week 15 (May 2) The Tempest IV-V

Final Examination: Sat, May 6, 7:45 AM