Course Goals: This course is designed to introduce students not only to Shakespeare's plays but also to current Shakespeare studies. For this reason we are reading historical background and critical articles in addition to the five plays. Each of the topics included with the plays (e.g. "theatricality" in Much Ado) represents a key critical approach or issue that has bearing on numerous Shakespeare plays, not just the play for that week. The critical article provides an example of how the specific week's play may be approached via the week's critical issue. The short (1 page) written assignments are designed to develop critical skills-how to do a close reading, how to read a text in relation to its historical context, and how to respond to critical articles-which are necessary for writing an effective longer (7-8 page) critical essay. These skills will also prove beneficial for literature classes in general. Finally, film versions and adaptations have been included to introduce students to contemporary productions of Shakespeare. These should be viewed as approaches to or interpretations of the plays.

Required Texts: The Norton Shakespeare and a course reader available at The Alternative.

Notice for Disabled Students: If you are a student with a disability and would like to discuss special academic accommodations, please contact me by e-mail or during office hours.

Add/Drop deadline: The deadline for adding or dropping this class is July 11 by 4:45 P.M by RBT or GOLD.