Shakespeare I: Comedies and Histories

Course Objectives
1. read and discuss major Shakespearean comedies and histories
2. to analyze orally and in writing some of Shakespeare's dramatic texts
3. to analyze major Shakespearean comedies and histories as both literary art and performances

Required Text--any complete edition of Shakespeare's plays

Grade Policy

Class Participation and Classwork Assignments 25%
Midterm Exam 25%
Final Exam 25%
Paper(s) 25%

Class Policy
If you are delayed for any reason and arrive late for class, please enter quietly and sit down. DO NOT SIT IN THE HALL OUT OF FEAR OR ANXIETY. Bring to every class your text, a notebook, and any class handouts. If some problem prevents you from completing your reading or homework, do not stay home from class.

Academic Honesty
Any time you turn in work to me, you must make clear if any number of words--even only two words--are taken from someone else's writing. You must also indicate if you have used another person's ideas. Any use of another's work (whether exact wording, sentence structure, or ideas) that is not clearly labeled by the use of quotation marks or parenthetical citations is plagiarism. Typical punishments for plagiarism include failing the assignment or the course. Occasionally, plagiarism results in expulsion from college.

Non-Discrimination Policy
Any harassment or discrimination on the basis of any of the following is a violation of a person's civil rights and will not be tolerated in this class: race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, age, gender, marital status, persons with disabilities, and medical condition, Vietnam Era Veterans, and sexual orientation.

How to Get Help
Please come talk to me during my office hours (Mon., Wed., Fri. 9:30 10:30) if you feel you are confused or need to discuss any aspects of this course. My office is UH 301.40. If you have another class during my office hours, please talk to me before or after class about making a personal appointment. Leave messages for me with the English Department, if you are not able to come to class and need to arrange a meeting. Be aware the college offers other support services that you have a right to use--consult the college handbook for specific information about such services as those provided by the Writing Center, the Learning Center, and the Office of Services for Students with Disabilities.

Attendance Policy
Students must attended twenty-four of the thirty class sessions to pass the course. Students missing seven classes will receive a grade of F.

Paper Policy
Your paper or papers must be typed on white 8 and 1/2 by 11 inch paper using one consistent, simple 10 or 12 pitch font. No bolding is permitted. Do not use all capital letters for any section of the paper. Underlining or italics are to be used only as the MLA style allows. All typed lines must be double-spaced with no additional lines skipped at any point. All margins must be one inch on all four sides of the paper. MLA style is to be used for both format and documentation. A works cited page must be turned in with all papers.

Tentative Class Schedule

April 3 The Taming of the Shrew,have up to Act II read
April 5 The Taming of the Shrew, have up to Act III read

April 8 The Taming of the Shrew, have up to Act V read
April 10 The Taming of the Shrew, have complete text read
April 12 A Midsummer Night's Dream, have read Acts I and II

April 15 A Midsummer Night's Dream, have read Act III
April 17 A Midsummer Night's Dream, have complete text read
April 19 A Midsummer Night's Dream

April 22 Much Ado About Nothing, have read up to Act III, scene ii
April 24 Much Ado About Nothing, have complete play read
April 26 Much Ado About Nothing

April 29 Much Ado About Nothing
May 1 Midterm Review

May 3 Midterm
May 6 Discussion of Midterm; first paper due if doing two papers
May 8 Twelfth Night, or What You Will, have read Acts I and II

May 10 Twelfth Night, or What You Will, have complete play read
May 13 Twelfth Night, or What You Will
May 15 Twelfth Night, or What You Will

May 17 Richard III, have Act I read
May 20 Richard III, have up to Act IV, scene iv
May 22 Richard III, have complete play read

May 24 Richard III
May 29 The Tragedy of King Richard the Second, have Acts I and II read
May 31 The Tragedy of King Richard the Second, have Acts III and IV read

June 3 The Tragedy of King Richard the Second, have complete play read
June 5 The Tragedy of King Richard the Second
June 7 Final Exam Preparation

June 10 Final Exam Preparation; last day to turn in papers