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English Language Centre, Unit Catalogue 2009/10


EL10501: Shakespeare

Click here for further information Credits: 6
Click here for further information Level: Certificate
Click here for further information Period: Semester 1
Click here for further information Assessment: CW 100%
Click here for further informationSupplementary Assessment: Like-for-like reassessment (where allowed by programme regulations)
Click here for further information Requisites:
Description: This unit is solely for Socrates-Erasmus, Exchange and Visiting students.
Aims:
To introduce students to the works of William Shakespeare in their literary and historical contexts.

Learning Outcomes:
Having completed this unit students will be able to:
* identify characteristics of Shakespearean comedy
* identify characteristics of Shakespearean tragedy
* make connections between Shakespeare's works and their historical, political, social, philosophical, religious, national, literary, artistic and theatrical contexts
* apply a variety of methods of critical theory to Shakespeare's works
* analyse Shakespeare's use of language
* undertake close textual analysis of Shakespeare's work analyse
* Shakespeare's use of history (with particular reference to "the Tudor myth")
* identify source material for Shakespeare's work
* identify characteristics of Renaissance thought
* identify trends, features, factions and personalities of the reign of Queen Elizabeth I
* discuss Shakespeare's plays as both texts and theatrical performance pieces
* discuss possibilities for production and adaptation of Shakespeare's work
* introduce and discuss individually researched material to others.

Skills:
Having completed this unit students will be able to:
* introduce individually researched material to other students (F/A)
* apply a variety of methods of critical analysis to texts (F/A)
* give seminar presentations, learning to suit their material to their audience and to lead discussion and encourage participation (F/A).

Content:
Three Shakespeare plays will be studied: one comedy, one tragedy, one history play. (If time permits, a 'problem' play will be included). Final choice will depend on:
* current productions and film versions, which students will be encouraged to see
* students' existing knowledge of Shakespeare's plays: (so that they are not repeating material already studied).
Film versions of specific plays will be watched and discussed.
NB. Programmes and units are subject to change at any time, in accordance with normal University procedures.