Fall 2000 Dan Lochman
Shakespeare
(through Hamlet): Upstart Crow or Sweet Swan of Avon?English 3354.1
TTh 11-12:15, FH 255
Office hours: TTh
Office number / phone: FH 132/ 245-3015
e-mail: DL02@swt.edu
Description of Course: We will read a variety of works illustrating the range of Shakespeare’s earlier drama: Two Gentlemen of Verona, Titus Andronicus, Richard III, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Merchant of Venice, Much Ado about Nothing, As You Like It, and Hamlet. Contemporary reactions to these plays and the ones that followed range from Robert Greene’s caustic reference to "Ioannes Fac totum" as an "upstart Crow" (1593) to Ben Jonson’s description of Shakespeare as the "Sweet swan of Avon" (1623). This semester, you can judge for yourself. We will also read Shakespeare’s verse narrative, Venus and Adonis, and selections from the Sonnets. Be prepared to spend some time examining performances on film and, as available, in the community.
Objectives: To read and experience Shakespeare’s works until the death of Elizabeth I. To understand those works in the context of British culture. To react to issues of culture, gender, and politics through discussion and a variety of written assignments.
Book: The Norton Shakespeare. (NS) Ed. Stephen Greenblatt et al. New York: Norton, 1997.
Films: A selection of modern and contemporary versions of the plays listed in the description.
Format: Discussion, lectures, group work, oral reports.
Evaluation:
1 explication of a Shakespearean sonnet, 1-2 pages (10%)
1 review of a Shakespeare web-site (see list of recommended sites), 1-2 pages (10%)
1 review of a live performance (if available) or of a film version, 1-2 pages (10%).
Participation (10%)
Documented paper, 7-8 double-spaced pages, 1" margins (MLA format) (25%).
Take-home final essay will be discussed during the final examination period (15%)
Daily schedule
The following is an outline of readings. Because the pace of discussion ought never to be rigid, anticipate that our schedule will remain flexible. Lacking word to the contrary, however, prepare scheduled materials before the listed class day. Discussion is vital, so attend each class period; be well-prepared and brimming with ideas.
Week Date
1 August 31 Th Introduction. Backgrounds.
2 September 5 T Backgrounds (cont.). Stephen Greenblatt: Shakespeare’s World; The
Playing Field; Dream of the Master Text (NS 1-76). Andrew Gurr:
The Shakespearean Stage (NS 3281-3306).
7 Th Comedy of Errors.
12 T Comedy of Errors.
14 Th Titus Andronicus.
19 T Titus Andronicus.
21 Th Titus Andronicus. Reaction paper #1 due.
26 T Richard III.
28 Th Richard III.
October 3 T Richard III.
5 Th Midsummer Night’s Dream.
10 T Midsummer Night’s Dream. Reaction paper #2 due.
12 Th Venus and Adonis.
17 T Sonnets (1, 3, 12, 20, 30, 41, 55, 62, 65, 69, 71, 73, 87,107, 129, 130, 144, 146)
19 Th Much Ado About Nothing.
24 T Much Ado About Nothing. Explication of sonnet due.
Th Much Ado About Nothing.
31 T Merchant of Venice.
November2 ThMerchant of Venice. Review of website due.
11 7 T Merchant of Venice.
9 Th Merchant of Venice.
12 14 T As You Like It.
16 Th As You Like It. Review of performance due.
13 21 T As You Like It.
23 Th Thanksgiving Holiday.
14 28 T Hamlet. Documented paper due.
30 Th Hamlet.
15 December 4 T Hamlet.
17 Th Hamlet.
Final Examination: Thurs., Dec. 14, 11:30am - 2:00pm