ENG 202 Introduction to Shakespeare: 1600-1616

Lecture Hours: 4
Credits: 4

Surveys selected Shakespearean tragedies, comedies, histories, and selected poetry written in the later part of his career (1600-1616) emphasizing dramatic structure, characterization, imagery, and theme. Uses critical essays to explore these plays and poems and to provide background on the nature of the different genres of Shakespeare’s works. Includes readings from at least one example of each of these genres: comedy, tragedy, history, and sonnets, and covers a minimum of six plays.

Prerequisite: Placement into WR 121Z; or WR 115 or higher, with a grade of C or better; or consent of instructor.
Student Learning Outcomes:

Read a play at a literal level: accurately describe plot, character, and setting.
Read a play at a figurative level: recognize and interpret metaphor and symbol in the light of the total play.
Identify and explain the themes within the individual plays and trace similar themes in other Shakespeare plays.
Define the concept of comedy, tragedy, and historical plays and explain the elements that make these plays particularly Shakespearean.
Write critical analyses of literary works, including at least one analytical essay that uses MLA style documentation and paper format.
Articulate and defend plausible interpretations of both the plays and the theories of several major critics orally and in writing.
Identify the major issues in staging a production of the plays studied.

Statewide General Education Outcomes:

Interpret and engage in the Arts and Letters, making use of the creative process to enrich the quality of life.
Critically analyze values and ethics within a range of human experience and expression to engage more fully in local and global issues.

Content Outline

Elements of Dramatic Literature
- Stage design
- Blocking
- Direction/interpretation
Methods of Literary Analysis
Study of Critical Essays
Issues of Shakespearean Authorship
Poetry/Sonnets
Themes in Shakespearean Tragedy
- Conventions of revenge tragedies
- Psychological flaws
Themes in Shakespearean Comedy
- Love/marriage
- Deception/disguise
Themes in Shakespearean History
- Historical context
- Historical accuracy vs. artistic license
Plays Such As:
- Twelfth Night
- Hamlet
- Troilus & Cressida 
- All’s Well That Ends Well
- Measure for Measure
- Othello
- King Lear
- Macbeth
- Antony and Cleopatra
- Coriolanus
- Timon of Athens