ENGL 2193X2 - Jessica Slights

SHAKESPEARE 2

This single-term course provides an introduction to the study of Shakespeare’s plays at the university level.  We’ll explore six plays in detail—three tragedies and three comedies—paying careful attention to the complexity of their language and the intricacy of their emotional effects.  You’ll learn about the cultural, economic, political, and social contexts in which these engaging texts were written and first performed, and we’ll discuss their dual roles as historical artifacts and living works of theatre art.  No previous knowledge of Shakespeare is necessary—just an open mind, a willingness to work hard, and a commitment to sharing your ideas with others.

Tentative list of plays:
Titus Andronicus
Romeo and Juliet
Othello
The Taming of the Shrew
The Winter’s Tale
The Tempest