Through close textual analysis and performance engagements in relation to three diverse plays – Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet and The Tempest – Global Shakespeare brings students into deeper consideration and application of the language, social context and production of these peerless works. Dr. Murray approaches Shakespeare’s plays through the lenses of relevant, current theories in contemporary literary criticism, including postcolonial perspectives, gender identities, social conflicts and economic inequalities. By incorporating acting, directing, costume and set design principles into the analytical process, and by viewing adaptations of these plays in other artistic forms (including dance, opera, visual art and orchestral music), Global Shakespeare considers the psychosocial, political and cultural factors that continually influence interpretations of these plays.
As an optional commitment, students may participate in a solo or small group performance of Shakespeare scenes in November 2023. Successful involvement (requiring approximately 1-2 additional hours per week outside class) will lead to both a rewarding public event and an additional certificate of achievement upon completion of the MAES degree.
The learning activities in Global Shakespeare include:
- detailed reading of plays and academic articles prior to class, with some required viewing outside class,
- participating actively in discussions, presentations and activities in class,
- analysing live and filmed performances of Shakespeare from around the world,
- incorporating scholarly perspectives on Shakespeare’s plays,
- exploring adaptations of the plays in other artistic forms.
1. Short Essay (in class, individual) 40%
Students will compose two short essays (one on Romeo and Juliet, one on Hamlet); taken together, these essays comprise 40% of the final mark.
2. Presentation (in class, small group) 15%
Students will work in small groups to present a critique of a key scene in Romeo and Juliet. Notes will be submitted via Turnitin, but visual aides are not required. Dr. Murray expects genuine student collaboration and academic insight (not merely information from Shakespeare study sites).
3. Critical Analysis (outside class, individual) 35%
Students will write an analysis of one central theme in The Tempest, applying at least one perspective from critical theory (with citations from scholarly sources); the paper will be submitted through Turnitin.
4. Participation (in class, individual) 10%
Students’ final mark will be significantly influenced by timely attendance and active participation in class discussions/activities.
In Global Shakespeare, we will work with the Folger editions of Shakespeare’s works as our primary sources, as the plays are available online for free (without notation) at https://www.folger.edu. If desired, you may purchase the Folger edition of each play, but no purchase is required. Please do not use editions other than Folger, as there are significant variations (including line numbers) within other editions. All academic research articles (i.e. secondary sources) will be provided for free via Moodle.