Course syllabus autumn 2013
Course syllabus autumn 2013
Title
Shakespeare: An Introduction
Swedish title
Shakespeare: An Introduction
Course code
EN120E
Credits
7.5 credits
Grading scale
UA / Excellent (A), Very Good (B), Good (C), Satisfactory (D), Pass (E) or Fail (U)
Language of instruction
English
Decision-making body
Faculty of Culture and Society
Syllabus approval date
2012-06-15
Syllabus valid from
2012-09-03
Entry requirements
The special prerequisite for this course, besides basic eligibility for university studies, is fieldeligibility 6: Civics A and English B. Applicants are exempted from the Civics A requirement.
Level
Basic level
No main field.
Progression level
G1N
Progression level in relation to degree requirements
The course can normally be included as a part of a general degree at undergradate level.
Course objectives
The aim of this course is to provide the students with an introduction not only to the most canonical texts in English literature, Shakespeare's plays, but also to how to create meaning out of literary texts.
Course contents
The course will analyse two plays by Shakespeare, one tragedy and one comedy. The plays will be analysed textually in terms of themes, language and formal devices, and contextually by putting them in historical, contemporary and cultural contexts. On the course the students will practice developing an argument using textual evidence and note taking skills. The course also provides an introduction to the acting styles used in Shakespearian theatre with a view toward presentation to contemporary audiences.
Learning outcomes
After finishing the course the student will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of the main characteristics of comedies and tragedies
- demonstrate basic skills in close reading
- analyse Shakespeare’s plays textually (looking at theme, language, formal devices) and to a degree even contextually (in their historical, contemporary, cultural contexs)
- construct a detailed interpretation of a single issue in the plays on the course
- account how the staging of plays affects the understanding of the plays
Learning activities
The learning activities in the course are lectures, seminars, self-study of literature.
Assessment
This course will be assessed through one hand-in assignment (2.5 credits) and one written classroom exam (5 credits). In order to complete the course, the student has to receive a passing grade for both the exam and the hand-in assignment.
Learning outcomes 1-2 will be assessed in the hand-in assignment and learning outcomes 1-5 will be assessed in the classroom exam.
Re-examination rights: A student who has received a failing grade in an exam will be given the opportunity to re-take the exam twice on the same course content and with the criteria for passing. After this, the student has the right to be examined the next time the course is offered according to the same rule. It is the student's responsibility to contact the department to obtain the information about how and when the re-examination will take place.
Course literature and other study material
McEvoy, Sean. Shakespeare: The Basics. London: Routledge, 2012.
One tragedy and one comedy selected by the teacher.
Course evaluation
The course is concluded with an individual course evaluation focusing on the goals of the course. The evaluations are the basis for the feedback between teacher and student at the completion of the course.
Interim rules
In a case when a course is no longer given, or the contents have been changed essentially, the student has the right to be examined twice during a one year period, according to the course plan which was valid at the time of registration.
Additional information
The course is concluded with an individual course evaluation focusing on the goals of the course. The evaluations are the basis for the feedback between teacher and student at the completion of the course.