Introduction to Shakespeare
Fall 2011
MHRA 1215
TTR 3:30-4:45 / Gerald (“Al”) Miller, Ph.D.
McIver 115
Office Hours: TTR 1:45-3:15
(or by appointment)
The World According to the Bard:
A Shakespearean Introduction to Early Modern Humanity, Society, and Aesthetics
Required Texts:
Stephen Greenblatt et al., eds. The Norton Shakespeare 2nd Edition (Norton)
Sharon Hamilton Essential Literary Terms: A Norton Guide with Exercises (Norton)
Course Description:
This course aims to provide an introduction to one of the most influential writers of all time, William Shakespeare. Over the course of the semester, the students will read examples from each of Shakespeare’s major dramatic genres (comedies, histories, tragedies, and romances) as well as a small sampling of sonnets. As a class, we will not simply read Shakespeare’s works but will also screen cinematic and theatrical adaptations, enact scenes on a regular basis, and learn about the history of England and its theater. Simultaneously, the course will require students to learn basic literary terminology and interpretation strategies. By means of these various elements, this course will introduce students to the fundamentals of literary analysis by focusing upon one of literature’s greatest practitioners.
GLT Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)
1. Demonstrate the reading skill required for the student of literary texts. (LG3)
2. Identify and/or describe some of the varied characteristics of literary texts. (LG3)
3. Demonstrate orally, in writing, or by some other means, a fundamental ability to use some of the techniques and/or methods of literary analysis (LG1 and LG 3)
4. Identify and/or describe some of the various social, historical, cultural, and/or theoretical contexts in which literary texts have been written and interpreted (LG 3).
Teaching Methods and Assignments for Achieving Learning Outcomes
I. In-Class Exams
A. Midterm Exam (15%):
The midterm exam will require you to identify key passages from the works read during the first half of the semester, answer questions about literary terminology and historical background, and compose one essay in response to a choice of questions. Please bring a blue book to the examination session.
B. Final Exam (25%):
The final exam will require you to identify key passages from the works read during the second half of the semester, answer questions about literary terminology and historical background, use literary terms learned across the semester in response to short answer questions, and compose two essays in response to a choice of questions. The works from the first half of the semester will not appear on the final, but you should still be able to define and use the literary terms we have learned across the entire semester. Please bring a blue book to the examination session.
(SLO 1, 2, 3, and 4)
II. Papers (2 x 15% Each = 30%)
You will complete two short (four-page) analytical essays in which you will be required to construct an argument about the texts we have read and support it not just with evidence from the literary text but also with the terminology and historical background that we have covered in the readings and lectures. Papers will be graded on sophistication of argument, engagement with the text, correct usage of literary and historical terminology, and clarity of writing style. Papers should be documented according to correct MLA-style documentation—see below for a more thorough discussion of MLA.
(SLO 1, 2, 3, and 4)
III. Quizzes (5 x 4 % Each = 20%)
Over the course of semester, you will also take five brief quizzes to ensure that you are keeping up with readings and internalizing the terminology we cover. The quiz schedule and the material that each quiz will cover can be found on the course schedule below. In general, the quizzes will require you to answer basic questions with responses ranging from a few words to a sentence or two. Missing a quiz will result in a zero and quizzes cannot be made up except by prior approval of the instructor.
(SLO 1, 2, 3, and 4)
IV. Participation (10 %)
In addition to your completion of exams, papers, and quizzes, you will also be expected to participate in daily class activities: daily discussions, regular performances of key scenes from the plays, brief in-class writing assignments, etc. Your participation grade will start out at 80% or a B- and will be adjusted from there based on participation. Your participation grade will increase if you participate in discussions and other activities. Your participation grade can also be lowered for unsatisfactory participation, which can include—but is not limited to—not having done the day’s reading, refusing to participate in discussions or other class activities, acting in a disrespectful manner to me or the other students, using electronic devices during class, etc.
(SLO 3)
Evaluation and Grading:
Midterm: 15%Final: 25%
Quizzes: 20%
Papers: 30%
Participation 10%
Total: 100% / A = 94-100% A - = 90-93%B + = 87%-89% B = 84-86%
B - = 80-83% C + = 770-799
C = 74%-76% C - = 70-73%
D+ = 67-69% D = 60-66%
F = 0-59%
Academic Integrity: “Academic integrity is founded upon and encompasses the following five values: honesty, trust, fairness, respect, and responsibility. Violations include, for example, cheating, plagiarism, misuse of academic resources, falsification, and facilitating academic dishonesty. If knowledge is to be gained and properly evaluated, it must be pursued under conditions free from dishonesty. Deceit and misrepresentations are incompatible with the fundamental activity of this academic institution and shall not be tolerated” (from UNCG’s Academic Integrity Policy). To ensure that you understand the university’s policy on academic integrity, review the guidelines and list of violations at <http://academicintegrity.uncg.edu>. I expect you to abide by the Academic Integrity Policy. If I find evidence of plagiarism, I will judge what is best for the situation, from a very stern reprimand to giving you an F for the semester.
Accommodations: Students with documentation of special needs should arrange to see me about accommodations as soon as possible. If you believe you could benefit from such accommodations, you must first register with the Office of Disability Services on campus before such accommodations can be made. The office is located on the second floor of the Elliott University Center (EUC) in Suite 215, and the office is open 8am to 5pm, Monday - Friday. Telephone: 334-5440; e-mail: .
Attendance: Because this is a participation-based course, I expect you to attend class regularly. You are allowed two free absences without a grade penalty. Each subsequent absence after the second will result in the loss of half a letter grade for the course. If you miss six classes, you automatically fail the course. I do not differentiate between excused and unexcused absences. Should a crisis arise, come talk to me or email me before you miss too many classes. In addition, it is vital to get to class on time. I take attendance at the beginning of class, so being late may result in you being marked absent. Besides, tardy students are very distracting and irritating. Three tardies equal an absence. You are by state law allowed two excused absences due to religious holidays. These absences do not count toward the total maximum allowed above. If you plan to miss class due to a religious holiday, you must notify me at least 48 hours prior to the absence.
Assignment Submission, MLA Citation, and Format:
All essays must be submitted as hard copies—I do not accept papers via email except in extreme circumstances and with prior approval by me. I expect you to responsibly cite all material you use in your work. (See “Academic Integrity.”) Both in-text citations and references must be in MLA format. Purdue University’s OWL is an excellent resource for learning how to properly cite sources. I also expect you to use MLA formatting: 1” margins, double-spaced, 12 pt. Times New Roman font. For a good guide to this formatting style, go to “Useful Links” on our Blackboard site and click on, sensibly enough, “MLA Paper Formatting and Citation.”
Late Work: I do not give credit for late work. I do accept early work; if you know you are going to miss a class, turn in your work before it is due. Computer problems do not qualify as cause for extra time. If your personal computer gives you trouble, leave time to work in one of the computer labs around campus. Also, be sure to leave yourself time to print the paper before class.
Email Policy: Email is the best way to reach me. You can reasonably expect responses from me within twenty-four hours, excluding weekends and university holidays. It is good practice to treat email as a writing situation that reflects on you as an individual. Use appropriate language and etiquette: present yourself professionally. This doesn’t mean emails have to be long and elaborate, but they should be moderately professional forms of communication with your instructor. You should also be sure to check your email regularly for any updates to the class schedule, changes in readings, etc.
Electronics: Turn cell phones, mp3 players, laptops, and other electronic devices off before class begins. Unless otherwise specified, students may only use laptops in class due to a special need for purposes of note-taking or other classroom activities. Students with such a need should make specific arrangements with me.
Blackboard: Our course will utilize Blackboard for several purposes. The texts for all the short stories and poems (those that you did not purchase) will be available on Blackboard. I will also post all grades on Blackboard throughout the semester. In addition to grades, I will also post the number of absences, tardies, etc. that you have accumulated. You will also find handouts, presentations, images, assignment prompts, the syllabus, etc. on Blackboard. Oftentimes, I may display handouts or presentations on the projector and then make them available via Blackboard in order to save on copies, so be sure to check it regularly to keep up with your grades, get needed information, etc.
Office Hours and Appointments: I will be available in my office at the above listed times for you to come by and discuss any aspects of the course. I invite you to drop by and discuss paper topics, the texts we are reading, problems with class, or just literature in general. If you are unable to make it to my scheduled office hours, please email me or talk to me after class to set up an appointment time.
The University Writing Center: This free service exists solely to help you become a better writer. Take papers at any stage of completion to the center for a one-on-one consultation. The center is located in MHRA 3211. No appointment is necessary. It is also worthwhile to note that you can take advantage of the Online Writing Center to work with a consultant on work that is a maximum of five pages in length. You can access this service by using Meebo Chat on the Writing Center’s website or by messaging through your iSpartan account.
Course Schedule:
ELT = Sharon Hamilton’s Essential Literary Terms
T 8/23 Class Introduction
TR 8/25 The Sonnets # 1, 18, 30, 75, 86, 112, 119, 127, 133, 138, 151and ELT 226-242
Unit One: The Comedies
T 8/30 Reading: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Acts I-II and ELT 1-7, 13-14
TR 9/1 Reading: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Act III
Quiz 1: Poetic Forms, Drama, and Sonnets
T 9/6 Reading: A Midsummer Night’s Dream Act IV-V
TR 9/8 Reading: The Merchant of Venice Acts I-II and ELT 198-223
T 9/13 Reading: The Merchant of Venice Act III
Quiz 2: Prosody, The Shakespearean Stage, and Midsummer Night’s Dream
TR 9/15 Reading: The Merchant of Venice Act IV-V
Unit Two: The Histories
T 9/20 Reading: Henry IV, Part I Act I-II.2 and ELT 32-54
TR 9/22 Reading: Henry IV, Part I Act 2.3-3.2
T 9/27 Reading: Henry IV, Part I 3.3-5.5 and ELT 54-66
Quiz 3: Merchant of Venice, Shakespearean Royalty, and Figurative Language
TR 9/29 Reading: Richard III Act I
T 10/4 Reading: Richard III Act II-III
TR 10/6 Reading: Richard III Act IV-V
T 10/11 No Class, Fall Break
TR 10/13 Midterm
Unit Three: The Tragedies
T 10/18 Reading: Titus Andronicus Act I and ELT 125-144
TR 10/20 Reading: Titus Andronicus Act II-III
Paper #1 Due
T 10/25 Reading: Titus Andronicus Act IV-V and ELT 150-167
TR 10/27 Reading: Macbeth Act I
Quiz 4: Narration, The Revenge Tragedy, and Titus Andronicus
T 11/1 Reading: Macbeth Act II-III and ELT 68-89
TR 11/3 Reading: Macbeth Act IV-V
T 11/8 Reading: Hamlet Act I-II and ELT 98-111
TR 11/10 Reading: Hamlet Act III
Quiz 5: Diction and Macbeth
T 11/15 Reading: Hamlet Act IV
TR 11/17 Reading: Hamlet Act V
Unit Four: The Romances
T 11/22 Reading: The Tempest Act I
Paper #2 Due
TR 11/24 No Class, Thanksgiving Break
T 11/29 Reading: The Tempest Act II-III
TR 12/1 Reading: The Tempest Act IV-V
Last Day of Class
Final Exam : Thursday, December 8th, 3:30 – 6:30 PM