Shakespeare was not “of an age, but for all time!” wrote his friend and fellow playwright, Ben Jonson in 1623. Indeed, Shakespeare’s work is still thought of today as “timeless” and transcendent, but that broad cultural viewpoint conceals 400 years of fascinating transformations in the understanding his work. This graduate-level introductory course will therefore investigate Shakespeare’s writing as it has been interpreted in criticism and performance throughout history. What are the origins of some of our most enduring ideas (and, perhaps, myths) about Shakespeare and his art? How does the work of scholars and editors shape our perceptions of his plays? What contributions have performances and film adaptations made to the study of his work? These questions will guide our exploration of a wide variety of Shakespeare’s plays, some of his poems, and selections from important criticism. Work for the course will include engaged class participation, a short response paper, a longer research paper, a group presentation, and a final exam.
Required Texts, all available at the Campus Bookstore
The Norton Shakespeare (1st or 2nd Edition)
The Bedford Companion to Shakespeare (2nd Edition)
MLA Handbook or Standards & Style
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