ENG 320: Shakespeare

Course Description

This course is a focused examination and study of William Shakespeare, his life and a selection of some of his greatest works. His sonnets which include those addressed to a young man and those addressed to a mysterious women will be analyzed for their structure and themes. A play from each of major classification of his collection of classical dramas will be read and criticized for their relevance and meaning as examples of the enduring popularity of Shakespeare’s works.  (3 credits)

Prerequisites

  • ENG 101: English Composition 1
  • ENG 102: English Composition 2

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to

  1. Demonstrate a mastery of critical reading and thinking skills.
  2. Provide the historical and social context of William Shakespeare and his works.
  3. Interpret the poetry and drama with understanding and thoughtful criticism.
  4. Analyze literary selections from each genre and category of plays.
  5. Develop critical opinions of literary works and support these opinions with examples.
  6. Complete a research paper and prepare an outline and annotated bibliography.
  7. Utilize research tools and literary criticism to complete a research paper.
  8. Provide different critical theories to be used in research.
  9. Research on selected theories.

Course Activities and Grading

AssignmentsWeight
Discussions (Weeks 1-7)15%
Written Assignments (Weeks 1 & 6)10%
Short Poetry Essay (Week 2)10%
Critical Essays (Weeks 3 & 5)20%
Quiz (Week 4)5%
Outline & Annotated Bibliography (Week 7)10%
Research Paper (Week 8)30%
Total100%

Required Textbooks

    • There will be no required textbook to purchase. All of the materials will be available within the course.

Course Schedule

WeekSLOsReadings and ExercisesAssignments
11,2

Topic: Background Information

Readings:

  • Biographical and historical information on Shakespeare and theatre

  • Elements of poetry
  • Read resource material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
21,3

Topic: Sonnets

Readings:

  • Sonnets #’s17,18,40,73
  • Sonnets #’s130,141,142,151
  • Read assigned poems
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Analyze the structure and meaning of selected sonnet
31,4,5

Topics: Introduction to Drama and Characteristics of Tragedy and Comedy

Readings:

  • Classification of Shakespearean Drama
  • Comedy As You Like It
  • Read assigned material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Write essay comparing two characters from play

4

1,4,5

Topic: Tragedy

Readings:

  • Read and view play Othello
  • Read assigned material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Quiz on excerpts from play

5

1,4,5

Topic: Julius Caesar

Readings:

  • Read and view play Julius Caesar
  • Read assigned material
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Essay on historical context of play

6

5,7

Topic: Researching Critical Theories

Readings:

  • None
  • Introduce different critical theories to be used in research
  • Conduct research on selected play and characters applying a critical theory
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete worksheet on Critical theories applied to works

7

6,7

Topic: Research Paper First Draft

Readings:

  • None
  • Review the Lecture material
  • Prepare an outline and annotated bibliography
  • Prepare first draft of research paper on play selected
  • Participate in the Discussions
  • Complete worksheet on Critical theories applied to works

8

 

Topics: Research Paper Final Draft

Readings:

  • None
  • Submit Final Draft of Research Paper
  • Complete Course Evaluation

COSC Accessibility Statement

Charter Oak State College encourages students with disabilities, including non-visible disabilities such as chronic diseases, learning disabilities, head injury, attention deficit/hyperactive disorder, or psychiatric disabilities, to discuss appropriate accommodations with the Office of Accessibility Services at OAS@charteroak.edu.

COSC Policies, Course Policies, Academic Support Services and Resources

Students are responsible for knowing all Charter Oak State College (COSC) institutional policies, course-specific policies, procedures, and available academic support services and resources. Please see COSC Policies for COSC institutional policies, and see also specific policies related to this course. See COSC Resources for information regarding available academic support services and resources.