Shakespeare's Tragedies and Comedies
Mr. Marc Hufnagl

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Course Description

William Shakespeare: a man of his time ; an artist for all time .The universal appeal of Shakespeare's genius continues to reverberate globally centuries after his parting. Though this appeal is in part due to his poetic innovation and craft, it is equally due to his prophetic sense of the human heart and spirit. This literature course will acquaint the student with Shakespeare's craft and voice of humanity by deeply investigating three of his tragedies, one of his comedies, and one of his romances. Through historical, socio-cultural, and philosophical considerations, students will research, read, and correlate these aspects while rooting themselves in the Bard's poetic craftsmanship, "wordsmithing", and dramatic innovation.

Having penned thirty-seven plays and one hundred and fifty-four sonnets that have endured, William Shakespeare merits close study. His artistic achievements remain unmatched in the English language. Students will recognize why such "bardoltry" is so deserving.

from- www.ulen.com/shakespeare

Course Texts

(All of the Shakespeare plays will be The Folger Library editions/ Washington Square Press.)

Othello

The Tempest

King Lear

Midsummer Night's Dream

Macbeth

Course Objectives

~ Students will read, interpret, and generally understand representative tragedies and comedies.

~ Students will synthesize relevant historical, socio-cultural, and philosophical factors as related to each play's thematic concerns and literary qualities.

~ Students will write cogent analytical essays focusing upon selected topics, while developing a sound argumentative style.

~ Students will deliver presentational projects reinforcing the plays as performance art.

~ Students will investigate and appreciate Shakespeare's use of language.

~ Students will relate Shakespeare's influences, dramatic structures, theatrical concerns, and conventions through discussion and essays in addition to other evaluative measures.

Evaluation and Grades

Quarter Grades:

Literature examinations and other evaluations 40%

Major essays on assigned topics 40%

Group / seminar work and projects 20%

Semester Grades:

Quarter 1 = 40%

Quarter 2 = 40%

Semester examination = 20%

Student Decorum and Integrity

My class environment is built upon exercising mutual respect and maintaining an atmosphere of academic collegiality. Facilitating an active exchange and dialogue is essential to the educational process in my classroom. You will be expected to exhibit care and respect for others, for the material under study, and for me as your teacher. Nothing less will be tolerated.

Respect also extends to integrity issues as well. As a Harker student, you have accepted the responsibility to respect and practice sound ethical behavior as outlined in the Harker Honor Code and the Code of Conduct. (These may be reviewed in the student handbook.) Issues of plagiarism, cheating in all of its myriad forms, and any questionable academic issue regarding all preparations will be taken seriously. Ultimately, all decisions you make while navigating your academic course are yours. Remember that once your integrity has been called in to question, it is difficult to regain the trust of those you have offended. Make ethical choices and when in doubt, feel free to consult me.

Course Syllabus

Quarter One :

Othello

The Tempest

King Lear

Quarter Two :

Midsummer Night's Dream

Macbeth

Seminar Topics / Major Essay Topics To Include:

Elizabethan England - government/politics; religion; education; impact of the Renaissance; court and common life; culture/traditions; the arts

Shakespeare the Man; Shakespeare the Poet

The Globe Theater / The Blackfriars Theater

Classical tragedy / Shakespearean tragedy

Shakespeare's tragic-comedies / romances

Theatrical concerns in staging Shakespeare's plays

The universality of Shakespeare's work

Imagery and its connotative dynamic in the plays

The influence of Holinshed's Chronicles on the plays

Female characters / major and minor (compare and contrast )

The use of music and dance in the comedies

The dynamic use of the "play within a play" structure

Other topics as they evolve from discussion and seminar

ACTIVITIES : Lecture, small and large Roundtable discussions, formal seminar presentations, major essays, examinations/evaluations, special projects

A Few Words About Assignments

As a college preparatory student, it is crucial to your overall preparation that you acquire a self-discipline regarding the completion of ALL work, no matter if it is a reading or a formal essay. Your college professors will expect this discipline from you; therefore, it is in your best interest that I do as well.

All written work should:

~ Be prepared in blue or black ink only (Word - processed when stipulated.)
~ Have an official heading in the upper left hand corner that includes your full name, my name, the title of the course, and the date you turned it in to me. (Note: This is the required heading according to the MLA manuscript format.)

~Be completed according to the dictates of the MLA manuscript format as detailed in The Bedford Handbook.
~ Be completed in a manner that leaves a positive impression - that your work looks polished and professional.

Note: If you are absent for part of the day and return to school, you are held to the assigned work, any deadline in effect that day, and any tests given the period you missed while away. See me immediately upon your return to school. If you do not follow-up that same day, no credit will be issued for the missed work . Be responsible and follow-up after any absence.

If you missed assigned work due to an excused absence:

~ Consult the web for the day's assignments and the expectations for the following day. Be sure to e-mail me to arrange a time to make-up missed tests and quizzes.

~ Contact me with questions and concerns about any assignment rather than contacting a friend. Getting the information first-hand will avoid confusions about my expectations.