ENGL 1109 - Beginning Shakespeare

This course will look closely at four Shakespeare plays, one each from the major genres of comedy, tragedy, tragi-comedy (romance), and history. Topics covered will include character, form, spectacle, theme, sources, the original conditions of production and performance, and the reproduction of Shakespeare's plays in a contemporary context. Students will be introduced to a range of critical approaches to Shakespeare's plays, and will be encouraged to reflect on questions of canonicity, cultural value and authority, and the politics of production and reproduction. The course is suitable for students with little or no prior knowledge of Shakespeare, those wishing to become more familiar with the playwright's work, and those aiming to teach Shakespeare.