Shakespeare 3301-LB100
The course offers a comprehensive analysis of selected plays by William Shakespeare. The plays are discussed both with regard to the Elizabethan worldview and modern interpretative frameworks. In the current version of the course we shall focus in particular on Shakespeare's theatrical craftsmanship. We shall discuss the differences in the employment and interpretation of historical records, character designs and ideological dimension, and stage and film productions of Macbeth, The Merchant of Venice and The Tempest.
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
The graduate will be able to:
K_W02 - understand key terminology, well established methods and theories of linguistics, literary studies and culture studies within Elizabethan studies
K_W03 - describe methodology and recent developments in Renaissance literary studies and culture studies
K_W04 -describe the relation between Elizabethan and Jacobean language, literature, and historical and cultural processes on an advanced level
K_W07 - explain principles of designing literary and culture studies, with special focus on selecting appropriate methods and tools in formulating research questions in Renaissance studies
Abilities
The graduate is able to;
K_U01 - employ the terminology and methodological tools from linguistics, literary studies and culture studies with regards to drama and theater
K_U02 - employ the methodology of literary and culture studies within English studies, respecting the ethical norms and copyright law
K_U04 - implement knowledge to describe a problem and identify means to solve it, thereby completing a project in Elizabeth and Jacobean studies l
K_U11 - design one’s own development in Shakespeare Studies
Social competencies
The graduate is ready to:
K_K02 - undertake life-long learning and personal development, applying skills and competences to select plays and interpretations optimally suiting one’s personal interests
K_K03 - value responsibility for one’s own work and respect the work of other interpreters of early modern literature, adhering to the professional and ethical norms in various projects and other activities undertaken at work, voluntary services, etc.
Assessment criteria
Written test. The form and criteria may be changed depending on the epidemiological condition. Equivalent conditions shall be set in accordance with current policies of the University and as agreed with the participants of the course.
Bibliography
Dramas:
Macbeth
The Merchant of Venice
The Tempest
Critical texts:
1. Stephen Greenblatt “The Traces of Shakespeare’s Life” in: The New Cambridge Companion to
Shakespeare. Margreta de Grazia, Stanley Wells (eds.) (2010). 1-13.
2. Stephen Greenblatt “The Great Fear” in: Will in the World. How Shakespeare Became Shakespeare
(2004), 87-117.
3. Tiffany Stern, “The theatre of Shakespeare’s London” in The New Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare. Margreta de Grazia, Stanley Wells (eds.) (2010). 45-60.
Critical editions of Macbeth, The Tempest, The Merchant of Venice (e.g. Adren Shakespeare, CUP or Oxford)
Selected criticism on the plays shall be provided throughout the course.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: