This course will be provided both synchronously and asynchronously (taped), though you are encouraged if at all possible to attend the synchronous lecture, so you may participate in the discussion and keep on a regular time schedule.

In lecture, TA sections, and class blogs, we will study five representative plays from the first part of Shakespeare’s career, often in conjunction with film adaptations of the works. The five plays are The Taming of the Shrew, Richard II, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, The Merchant of Venice, and Hamlet. Students are expected to read each play at least twice. Lectures will not proceed in narrative order through the individual plays; rather we will discuss dominant themes and issues addressed by each play in their entirety.

The course requirements include regular attendance in lecture and section as well as participation in the student blogs and 3 multiple-choice tests as well as 2 written papers. Each test or paper will require you to focus on the play we are studying at the time, thus hopefully lowering your stress levels as we move through the course (study a play, do an assignment on it, move on). The final test is not a comprehensive exam. Rather it covers only the last play; it will occur during the scheduled exam time for the course, but it will be of the same length as the in-class tests.

There will be an honors section on Thursdays directly after the lecture, at 3:30-4:40 pm.

I look forward to meeting you all and having fun with Shakespeare.