ENGL 218

Spring 2023 Part of Term 1

Part of Term 1
Jan 17-May 3

Introduction to Shakespeare

SHOW FINAL EXAM SCHEDULE

Credit: 3 hours.

Representative readings of Shakespeare's drama and poetry in the context of his age, with emphasis on major plays; selections vary from section to section.

Prerequisite: Completion of the Composition I requirement.

This course satisfies the General Education Criteria in Fall 2022 for:

Humanities – Lit & Arts

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ENGL 218 class schedule data for spring 2023
	CRN	Type	Section	Time	Day	Location	Instructor	Section Details
	40489	Lecture-Discussion	S	12:00PM -12:50PM	MWF	English Building	Stevens, A	Part of Term: 1 Date Range: 01/17/23-05/03/23 Degree Notes: Humanities - Lit & Arts course. Section Info: SP23 Introduction to Shakespeare, Andrea Stevens This class offers an introduction to the study of Shakespeare’s plays with a focus on Shakespeare in performance. Together, we will read some of Shakespeare’s more canonical plays alongside one or two lesser-known works; we’ll also read one non-Shakespeare play from the period as a point of comparison (key texts will probably include Titus Andronicus, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, and The Winter’s Tale). The format will be lecture-discussion: the instructor will provide the historical context for understanding Shakespeare as a theatrical professional (including defining Shakespearean ‘original practices’), but we’ll spend the balance of our time considering the different possibilities for live performance suggested by the plays. Expect to see and discuss a wide range of clips from stage productions as well as from noteworthy film adaptations; expect also to work through key performance cruxes by reading out loud or blocking scenes together in small groups or as a class. There will be some opportunity to tailor written assignments to student interests (for example, to submit creative work or to develop Shakespeare-related pedagogical materials, for those majoring in the teaching of education). Past familiarity with Shakespeare is not at all required; a background or interest in theater is an asset, but also not a requirement, nor will any student be made to ‘perform’ in any way that is not voluntary. Restriction(s): Restricted to Undergrad - Urbana-Champaign.
	32058	Lecture-Discussion	S1	2:00PM -3:15PM	TR	English Building	Newcomb, L	Part of Term: 1 Date Range: 01/17/23-05/03/23 Degree Notes: Humanities - Lit & Arts course. Section Info: SP23 ENGL 218 Introduction to Shakespeare, Lori Newcomb - In Shakespeare’s lifetime (1564-1616), professional drama was a new form of entertainment in a new kind of venue, the commercial stage. Like other new forms of popular culture, plays created controversy: some authorities thought plays were morally infectious or even politically subversive. Today, the plays give us unusual leeway for variation and reimagining, in part because their language is full of possibility, in part because they are collaborative, social forms. Societies in turmoil continue to find them powerful tools for communicating about stubborn issues, bringing difficult memories into the immediate present, critiquing the status quo, and imagining alternatives. We’ll read 6 or 7 plays in depth getting a sense of the linguistic freedom that makes them fantastic to read, their daring explorations of the period’s family, political, gender/sexual, religious and racial tensions, and their openness to reinterpretation today. Hands-on engagement with text and performance; exploration of historicist and feminist, queer-studies, and anti-racist perspectives. We'll also attend the Theatre department's production of the political tragedy Coriolanus. Written work includes some informal writings at first, two or three closely focused papers, and a final exam. Text: Norton Shakespeare: Essential Plays, edition 3e (print edition required); Bedford Companion to Shakespeare, 2nd edition Restriction(s): Restricted to Undergrad - Urbana-Champaign.