Department of European Studies & Modern Languages, Unit Catalogue 2007/08 |
EU10501 Shakespeare |
| Credits: 6 |
| Level: Certificate |
| Semester: 2 |
| Assessment: CW 100% |
| Requisites: |
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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. |