ENGL 657 (01) - Shakespeare

Shakespeare

Durham   Liberal Arts :: English
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Credits: 4.0
Term: Spring 2024 - Full Term (01/23/2024 - 05/06/2024)
Grade Mode: Letter Grading
Class Size:   30  
CRN: 52490
An introduction to the main periods of Shakespeare's playwriting career, addressing representative works from each of the genres in which he wrote (tragedy, comedy, history, romance). We will discuss such matters as a Renaissance theater architecture and performance conventions, Shakespeare's poetic language, the representation of women, commoners and minorities on stage, royal power and court politics, love, sex, religion, and revenge. Live and filmed performances will be included as available.
Registration Approval Required. Contact Instructor or Academic Department for permission then register through Webcat.
Prerequisite(s): ENGL 401 or ENGL 401H
Equivalent(s): ENGL 657H
Attributes: Writing Intensive Course
Instructors: Douglas Lanier

Times & Locations

Start Date End Date Days Time Location
1/23/2024 5/6/2024 MW 2:10pm - 3:30pm HS 240
Final Exam 5/10/2024 5/10/2024 F 1:00pm - 3:00pm HS 240
Additional Course Details: 

Spring 2024 Detailed Description: 

An introduction to the college-level study of Shakespeare's plays. We will examine seven representative works chosen from the dramatic genres within which Shakespeare worked (comedy, tragedy, history, romance), situating the works within the social, political, literary and performance contexts of early modern England. Plays will include The Taming of the Shrew, Henry V, The Merchant of Venice, Othello, The Winter’s Tale and others. We will also have occasion to discuss modern performances and adaptations of Shakespeare's works on stage and on screen.  Assignments will include reading quizzes, short writing assignments, and three major essays, as well as attendance at a live performance (if available). 

This course satisfies a Pre-1800 Literature requirement for English Department majors.