English 218: Introduction to Shakespeare
History, Poetry, and Performativity
Course Objectives:
The purpose of this course is for you to explore representative readings of Shakespeare’s drama and poetry, with an emphasis on his major plays, in the context of his age. We will be taking a performative approach to Shakespeare, emphasizing issues such as reading aloud, scene presentation and analysis, and historical contextualization of performance. We will also critically analyze the issues raised in his works and get a sense of larger patterns and repetitions in these representative readings.
Required Texts:
Course Reader: available at Notes and Quotes, 502 E John St # 107
Shakespeare’s Sonnets, Folger Shakespeare Library Edition, eds. Mowat and Werstine
Much Ado About Nothing, Folger Shakespeare Library Edition, eds. Mowat and Werstine
Hamlet, Folger Shakespeare Library Edition, eds. Mowat and Werstine
Measure for Measure, Folger Shakespeare Library Edition, eds. Mowat and Werstine
Richard III, Folger Shakespeare Library Edition, eds. Mowat and Werstine
The Tempest, Folger Shakespeare Library Edition, eds. Mowat and Werstine
Or any good edition of the plays either collected or individual. Your edition must have notes. You will be asked to read from sections in the Folgers, so you must have access to them. Some other recommended editions: Norton, Riverside, Arden, Oxford, Cambridge, Signet Classics
Recommended Texts:
A Pocket Style Manual, fourth edition by Diana Hacker (or some equivalent)
The Norton Shakespeare, ed. Stephen Greenblatt (buy if you want the collected works)
Major Assignments:
Analytical Response Papers. Analytical response papers are meant to give you the chance to work through difficult or stimulating passages in the plays. These should be about 2-3 pages and you should consider them as practice for the exams and papers. I will comment on them and grade them on a check, check plus, check minus scale. You must turn in a total of two response papers; the plays you wish to write on are your choice. Due dates are below.
Sonnet Project. Because memorization can be very important for understanding Shakespeare, you will memorize and present (in front of the class) one sonnet. You must also turn in a gloss and analysis of the piece. These papers will be graded on their intelligence, clarity, coherence, and their correctness (that is grammar, spelling, mechanics). Both papers and presentations will be given separate letter grades.
Scene or Soliloquy Project. Early in the semester you will sign up to present either a scene or a soliloquy from one of the plays. Your group will choose and present an important scene from the play. Your scene should include costume suggestions, the use of minimal props and sets, and fully (yes, fully) memorized lines. Your soliloquy should be contextualized, have a strong focus, and be fully memorized (and have prop and costume suggestions). Each person will also turn in a paper that includes a gloss, and analysis of the piece and a performance statement.
Final Exam or Paper* or Scene. You have the option of either sitting for the final exam on Wednesday, December 12, 8-11am, or writing a 7-10 page paper, or presenting a scene. If you are writing a paper, it is due on December 12, by 11am and should be put in my mailbox. If you are presenting a scene, you will perform on Friday, December 7. Please approve the latter two choices with me by the tenth week of class by scheduling a conference with me.
Grading Breakdown
10% Attendance and participation (possible quizzes)
10% Performances (sonnets, soliloquies or scenes)
10% Analytical Responses (a total of two)
10% Sonnet Project (written portion)
20% Scene Project (written portion)
20% Midterm Exam
20% Final Exam/Paper/Scene
Tentative Reading Schedule
Week 1: Introduction to course and Historical Introduction
Week 2: Sonnets 1, 12, 15, 18, 20, 35, 73, 94, 98, 116, 127, 128, 129, 130, 138, 144, 146, 147 and sonnet presentations
Week 3: Sonnet presentations
Week 4: Sonnet paper due, Much Ado About Nothing
Week 5: Much Ado About Nothing analysis paper due and scene/soliloquy presentations
Week 6: Hamlet
Week 7: Hamlet analysis paper due and scene/soliloquy presentations
Week 8: Rare Book Room Visit and Midterm
Week 9: Measure for Measure
Week 10: Measure for Measure analysis paper due and scene/soliloquy presentations
Week 11: Richard III
Week 12: Richard III
Week 13: Richard III response paper due and scene/soliloquy presentations
Week 14: Tempest
Week 15: Tempest scene/soliloquy presentation. Final performances and final review
Exam Week: Final Exam