COURSE DESCRIPTION
Fall Semester
This class is a survey of the works of William Shakespeare that can be taken either first or second semester or as a year course. In the first semester, the main issue will be: Why Shakespeare? The core work will be Macbeth. In addition, students will read at least one of Shakespeare's early comedies and one of his English history plays. This course will also examine the cultural, historical, political, and social environment that contributed to the plays, but also how Shakespeare continues to matter in the 21st century. We will approach the texts through a variety of media and activities. Plays may vary depending on local theatrical productions. Be prepared to do more than sit and read!
Spring Semester
In the second semester, the core work will be Hamlet. Students will also read at least one of the later comedies and a history based tragedy. Our main issue this semester will be: How should we Shakespeare? Emphasis will be placed on highlighting the relevance of Shakespeare to our culture. Be prepared to act, play, insult, be insulted, dance, sing, draw--anything that creates greater understanding of the Bard and ourselves.
This class is a survey of the works of William Shakespeare that can be taken either first or second semester or as a year course. In the first semester, the main issue will be: Why Shakespeare? The core work will be Macbeth. In addition, students will read at least one of Shakespeare's early comedies and one of his English history plays. This course will also examine the cultural, historical, political, and social environment that contributed to the plays, but also how Shakespeare continues to matter in the 21st century. We will approach the texts through a variety of media and activities. Plays may vary depending on local theatrical productions. Be prepared to do more than sit and read!
Spring Semester
In the second semester, the core work will be Hamlet. Students will also read at least one of the later comedies and a history based tragedy. Our main issue this semester will be: How should we Shakespeare? Emphasis will be placed on highlighting the relevance of Shakespeare to our culture. Be prepared to act, play, insult, be insulted, dance, sing, draw--anything that creates greater understanding of the Bard and ourselves.
This class was a positive experience, and there was a lot of opportunity to learn and grow in this class. I enjoyed the interactive nature of the class, as we were asked to perform different scenes from the plays we were required to read.
This was a great class that expanded my horizons to see a different type of literature than typically taught in the classroom. I gained a greater appreciation for Shakespeare's work. Furthermore, there is a lot of opportunity to learn more about the Shakespeare in a fun and innovative way.
What stood out the most was the fact that we got to interact with the writings by acting it out, writing essays, creating films, etc. It was overall a great course that deserves to be taught to future students.