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
- Demonstrate a mastery of critical reading and thinking skills.
- Provide the historical and social context of William Shakespeare and his works.
- Interpret the poetry and drama with understanding and thoughtful criticism.
- Analyze literary selections from each genre and category of plays.
- Develop critical opinions of literary works and support these opinions with examples.
- Complete a research paper and prepare an outline and annotated bibliography.
- Utilize research tools and literary criticism to complete a research paper.
- Provide different critical theories to be used in research.
- Research on selected theories.
Course Activities and Grading
Assignments | Weight |
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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% |
Total | 100% |
Required Textbooks
- There will be no required textbook to purchase. All of the materials will be available within the course.
Course Schedule
Week | SLOs | Readings and Exercises | Assignments |
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1 | 1,2 | Topic: Background Information Readings:
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2 | 1,3 | Topic: Sonnets Readings:
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3 | 1,4,5 | Topics: Introduction to Drama and Characteristics of Tragedy and Comedy Readings:
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4 | 1,4,5 | Topic: Tragedy Readings:
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5 | 1,4,5 | Topic: Julius Caesar Readings:
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6 | 5,7 | Topic: Researching Critical Theories Readings:
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7 | 6,7 | Topic: Research Paper First Draft Readings:
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8 | Topics: Research Paper Final Draft Readings:
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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.