Revised 01/2009

ENG 271 - The Works of Shakespeare I (3 CR.)

Course Description

Examines selected tragedies and/or comedies by Shakespeare. Involves critical reading and writing. Lecture 3 hours per week.

General Course Purpose

Introduces students to Shakespeare's tragedies and/or comedies and helps them experience the works with understanding.

Course Prerequisites/Corequisites

Students must have successfully completed either ENG 112 (College Composition II), ENG 125 (Introduction to Literature), or their equivalent, or received divisional approval.

Course Objectives

GOAL ONE: UNDERSTANDING GENRES

Students will be introduced to Shakespeare's treatment of genre. By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• identify the characteristics of tragedies and/or comedies with reference to specific works.

GOAL TWO: ANALYZING ISSUES AND THEMES

Students will be taught to recognize major ideas in the selected works. By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• identify, analyze and meaningfully discuss major ideas and issues raised by the works
• identify minor themes and motifs in individual works.

GOAL THREE: UNDERSTANDING CHARACTERS

Students will be helped to understand important characters in the plays. By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• identify and analyze major characters and their traits,
• meaningfully discuss the conflicts characters face and how characters deal with them
• understand important functions of minor characters.

GOAL FOUR: ENHANCING WRITING ABILITIES

Students will be helped to develop/enhance effective techniques of written analysis in reference to Shakespeare's tragedies and/or comedies. By the end of the course, students will be able to:

• utilize writing as a means of enhancing critical thought
• write essays insightfully analyzing and interpreting works.

Major Topics to Be Included

• Genre (specifically tragedy and/or comedy)
• Dramatic conventions, structure
• Characterization
• Use of language
• Themes
• Staging