| Unit name | Shakespeare |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ENGL20068 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 1 (weeks 1 - 12) |
| Unit director | Dr. Holberton |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Units you must take before you take this one (pre-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you must take alongside this one (co-requisite units) |
None |
| Units you may not take alongside this one |
None |
| School/department | Department of English |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
Why is this unit important?
Studying Shakespeare in depth is worthwhile because his plays are fascinating works of literature that reward close attention, and on this unit, which tackles five plays over ten weeks, you will dedicate extended time to analysing the plays’ narratives, characters, theatrical strategies, and forms of language. But the rewards of studying Shakespeare go beyond personal enjoyment and the writing of criticism; Shakespeare has inspired, and continues to inspire, creative writers, theatre and opera directors, visual artists, film directors, video game makers and others. Understanding Shakespeare has become a way into a richer understanding of subsequent periods and cultures – how they argue with their past and present, and how they wish to see their future. You will also be invited to think about this continued presence -- to consider Shakespeare’s place in our cultures, anglophone and others, and to consider how his works have offered a proving ground for various critical theories and approaches.
How does this unit fit into your programme of study?
Exploration units offer thought-provoking and engaging investigations into key topics, including period-focused, thematic, and trans-historical options. You will hone your abilities as a researcher able to navigate skilfully a range of databases and archives, as well as engaging effectively with more advanced critical and theoretical perspectives. Exploration units ask you to both rethink the familiar and meet the unexpected, and encourage you to develop depth as well as breadth of critical understanding.
An overview of content
This unit will ask students to read and analyse a small number of plays written by William Shakespeare; there will be a range of texts in terms of genre. Attention will be paid to the plays as both literary texts and as play-texts: that is, substantial time will be afforded to the plays’ forms of language, imagery, and so forth, as well as to performance questions (including a sense of original performance conditions). Beyond this, students will be asked to consider the reception of Shakespeare’s plays both in literary criticism and in performance history. In addition to close reading, students will develop oral communication skills through open discussion and by giving short formative presentations in seminars.
How will students, personally, be different as a result of the unit
Upon completion of this unit students will have deepened their understanding of Shakespeare's writing and the theatrical culture from which it came. Gaining knowledge of Shakespeare’s works is especially valuable because those works are so consistently negotiated by subsequent authors and artists of other kinds, meaning that a grasp of Shakespeare will help students better to understand texts they encounter later on the degree programme (and to consider matters of allusion, adaptation, and intertextuality). Because Shakespeare’s work is interpreted by critics from a range of theoretical perspectives, reading secondary literature on Shakespeare’s work will also help students to expand their understanding of the history and practice of literary criticism. By the end of the unit, they will also have further developed their own skills in literary and cultural analysis and scholarly research, which will stand them in good stead for the demands of the final year dissertation.
Learning outcomes
On successful completion of this unit, students will be able to:
The unit is taught by seminars and a lecture programme. Teaching includes group discussion, research and writing activities, and peer dialogue. Students are expected to attend all timetabled teaching, engage with the reading, and participate fully with the weekly tasks and topics. Learning will be further supported through the opportunity for individual consultation.
Tasks which help you learn and prepare you for summative tasks (formative):
Your learning and preparation will be supported throughout the unit, with teaching activities and resources. You will complete regular writing exercises throughout the term and have the opportunity for formative feedback on one of those exercises before submitting your final portfolio.
Tasks which count towards your unit mark (summative):
1,500 word portfolio (60%) [ILOs 1-4].
2.5 hour exam (40%) [ILOs 1-4].
When assessment does not go to plan
When required by the Board of Examiners, you will normally complete reassessments in the same formats as those outlined above. However, the Board reserves the right to modify the format or number of reassessments required. Details of reassessments are confirmed by the School/Centre shortly after the notification of your results at the end of the year.
If this unit has a Resource List, you will normally find a link to it in the Blackboard area for the unit. Sometimes there will be a separate link for each weekly topic.
If you are unable to access a list through Blackboard, you can also find it via the Resource Lists homepage. Search for the list by the unit name or code (e.g. ENGL20068).
How much time the unit requires
Each credit equates to 10 hours of total student input. For example a 20 credit unit will take you 200 hours
of study to complete. Your total learning time is made up of contact time, directed learning tasks,
independent learning and assessment activity.
See the University Workload statement relating to this unit for more information.
Assessment
The Board of Examiners will consider all cases where students have failed or not completed the assessments required for credit.
The Board considers each student's outcomes across all the units which contribute to each year's programme of study. For appropriate assessments, if you have self-certificated your absence, you will normally be required to complete it the next time it runs (for assessments at the end of TB1 and TB2 this is usually in the next re-assessment period).
The Board of Examiners will take into account any exceptional circumstances and operates
within the Regulations and Code of Practice for Taught Programmes.
