The course examines two of Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets through the lens of relevant, current theories in contemporary literary criticism, including postcolonial perspectives, gender identities, racisms and social inequalities. Weaving together close textual analysis and recent performances of Hamlet and The Tempest, this course is designed to deepen students’ understanding of Shakespeare’s unique language and characterisation in the context of psychosocial, cultural and political factors that continually influence interpretations of these plays. This course also explores performances of these plays, as well as adaptations of these works into other artistic forms, including dance, opera and orchestral music.
The learning activities in Global Shakespeare include:
- reading plays, sonnets and academic articles prior to class
- participating in discussions and class activities,
- viewing and analysing filmed performances from around the globe,
- writing on Shakespeare’s texts, as illuminated by critical theory,
- exploring adaptations of Hamlet or The Tempest in other artistic forms.
1. Critical Analysis 60%
Students will compose two essays (one on Hamlet, one on The Tempest, each worth 30% of the overall mark).
2. Performance & Character Analysis 20%
Students will write a concise analysis of one character in either Hamlet or The Tempest and perform a brief monologue or scene (recorded or live) featuring that character.
3. Participation 10%
Students’ final mark will be influenced by timely attendance and active participation in class discussions.
- Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. Ann Thompson and Neil Taylor (Eds), Revised edition, The Arden Shakespeare, Bloomsbury, London, 2016.
- Shakespeare, William. The Tempest. (Eds), Virginia Mason Vaughan and Alden T. Vaughan, Revised edition, The Arden Shakespeare, Bloomsbury, London, 2011.
- Sonnet 29: https://www.folger.edu
- Sonnet 116: https://www.folger.edu
NOTE: The two Arden editions of Hamlet and The Tempest are widely available for purchase and have many useful notations; these editions also include excellent introductory essays. Alternatively, Shakespeare’s works are available online for free (without notation) at https://www.folger.edu. I will allow students to read either the Arden or Folger editions, but prefer you not to use other editions, as there is wide variation in versions of Hamlet.
All academic research articles and book excerpts will be provided online via Moodle.