Course overview
This course will look closely at four Shakespeare plays, one each from the major genres of comedy, tragedy, tragi-comedy (romance), and history. Topics covered will include character, form, spectacle, theme, sources, the original conditions of production and performance, and the reproduction of Shakespeare's plays in a contemporary context. Students will be introduced to a range of critical approaches to Shakespeare's plays, and will be encouraged to reflect on questions of canonicity, cultural value and authority, and the politics of production and reproduction. The course is suitable for students with little or no prior knowledge of Shakespeare, those wishing to become more familiar with the playwright's work, and those aiming to teach Shakespeare.
Course learning outcomes
- Demonstrate an understanding of Shakespearean drama in its original contexts and in subsequent critical receptions
- Build close reading skills, and the ability to correctly use and reference primary and secondary texts
- Demonstrate an understanding of the key terms and concepts at work in Shakespearean drama
- Undertake basic research and apply it in an argument that engages in scholarly debate
- Write logical, coherent, and persuasive arguments based on evidence
- Use technologies relevant to the University learning environment
- Work with others in the exploration of ideas and collectively negotiate solutions to problems