The University of Adelaide
Course Outlines

ENGL 1107 - Shakespeare

North Terrace Campus - Semester 2 - 2015

This course will look closely at four Shakespeare plays, one each from the major genres of tragedy, comedy, history, and romance. The plays to be studied will vary from year to year depending on participating staff members. Topics covered will include character, form, spectacle, theme, sources, the original conditions of production, and the reproduction of Shakespeare's plays in a contemporary context. Students will be introduced to a range of critical approaches to Shakespeare's plays, and be encouraged to reflect on questions of canonicity, cultural value and authority, and the politics of production and reproduction. Film and TV adaptations of the plays may be used to enhance discussion and reflection. The course is suitable for students with little or no prior knowledge of Shakespeare and also for those wishing to become more familiar with the playwright's work. It may be studied as a 'one off' course or for the sound basis it will provide for studying some of the advanced courses offered by the Department of English, such as Old Texts Made New: Literary Imitation and Allusion, Tragedy, and Adaptation.

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  • General Course Information
    Course Details
    Course Code ENGL 1107
    Course Shakespeare
    Coordinating Unit English, Creative Writing, and Film
    Term Semester 2
    Level Undergraduate
    Location/s North Terrace Campus
    Units 3
    Contact Up to 3 hours per week
    Available for Study Abroad and Exchange Y
    Assessment Participation and journal, close reading exercise, essay, examination
    Course Staff

    Course Coordinator: Dr Lucy Potter

    This course will look closely at four Shakespeare plays, one each from the major genres of tragedy, comedy, history, and romance. The plays to be studied will vary from year to year depending on participating staff members. Topics covered will include character, form, spectacle, theme, sources, the original conditions of production, and the reproduction of Shakespeare's plays in a contemporary context. Students will be introduced to a range of critical approaches to Shakespeare's plays, and be encouraged to reflect on questions of canonicity, cultural value and authority, and the politics of production and reproduction. Film and TV adaptations of the plays may be used to enhance discussion and reflection. The course is suitable for students with little or no prior knowledge of Shakespeare and also for those wishing to become more familiar with the playwright's work. It may be studied as a 'one off' course or for the sound basis it will provide for studying some of the advanced courses offered by the Discipline of English, such as Old Texts Made New: Literary Imitation and Allusion, Tragedy, and Adaptation.
    Course Timetable

    The full timetable of all activities for this course can be accessed from Course Planner.

  • Learning Outcomes
    Course Learning Outcomes
    1 Understand and interpret Shakespearean drama
    2 Undertake textual analysis of Shakespeare's plays
    3 Explain key terms, concepts and dramatic genres in Shakespeare's plays
    4 Read and interpret criticism and apply it within an academic argument
    5 Locate and access primary and secondary sources
    6 Write logical and coherent arguments based on evidence, and engage in critical debate
    7 Work with others in the exploration of ideas and to collectively negotiate solutions to problems
    8 Evaluate Shakespeare's contribution to the English language, and to the development of modern thought
    9 Use technologies relevant to the University learning environment
    University Graduate Attributes

    This course will provide students with an opportunity to develop the Graduate Attribute(s) specified below:

    University Graduate Attribute Course Learning Outcome(s)
    Knowledge and understanding of the content and techniques of a chosen discipline at advanced levels that are internationally recognised. 1, 3, 4
    The ability to locate, analyse, evaluate and synthesise information from a wide variety of sources in a planned and timely manner. 5, 8
    An ability to apply effective, creative and innovative solutions, both independently and cooperatively, to current and future problems. 1, 2, 4, 8
    Skills of a high order in interpersonal understanding, teamwork and communication. 6, 7
    A proficiency in the appropriate use of contemporary technologies. 9
    A commitment to continuous learning and the capacity to maintain intellectual curiosity throughout life. 1, 6
  • Learning Resources
    Required Resources
    Primary texts:
    Shakespeare, William. A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Ed. Jonathan Bate and Eric Rasmussen. RSC* edition. Basingstoke: Macmillan, 2008.
    — Othello. Ed. Jonathan Bate and Eric Rasmussen. RSC edition. Basingstoke: Macmillan, 2009.
    — The Winter’s Tale. Ed. Jonathan Bate and Eric Rasmussen. RSC edition. Basingstoke: Macmillan, 2009.
    — King Henry V. Ed. Jonathan Bate and Eric Rasmussen. RSC edition. Basingstoke: Macmillan, 2010.

    *RSC = Royal Shakespeare Company.

    Sequencing: as above

    Secondary text:
    The New Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare. Ed. Margreta de Grazia and Stanley Wells. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2010.
    Recommended Resources
    Shakespeare, William. The Merchant of Venice. Ed. Jonathan Bate and Eric Rasmussen. RSC edition. Basingstoke: Macmillan, 2010.

    Students will be expected to regularly consult the Oxford English Dictionary (Oxford University Press, 1989; online), and one of the online concordances to Shakespeare's works available via the Barr Smith Library English homepage.

    The English homepage on the Barr Smith Library site has an excellent section on resources for the study of Shakespeare and his work. Click on the following link:

    http://libguides.adelaide.edu.au/english-shakespeare
    Online Learning
    Recorded lectures will be made available to all students. Some lectures may be pre-recorded using either Articulate Storyline or Power Point functionality and made available to students.

    The English homepage on the Barr Smith Library site has an excellent section on resources for the study of Shakespeare and his work. Click on the following link:

    http://libguides.adelaide.edu.au/english-shakespeare
  • Learning & Teaching Activities
    Learning & Teaching Modes
    Students are expected to know the four set plays thoroughly. Lectures will cover broad topics, such as genre, canonicity, and the original conditions of production while allowing for more than one perspective on each play to be articulated. Seminars will involve tasks that will increase students’ knowledge of the plays, encourage students to actively participate in literary criticism, explore areas of interest to them, and increase their confidence in dealing with unfamiliar language. Discrete seminar tasks will increase understanding by moving from particular examples to general topics and concepts, and will introduce students to Shakespeare’s contribution to the English language and its development. To enhance students’ appreciation of the texts as plays, students will engage in reading aloud and short performances of selected scenes.
    Workload

    The information below is provided as a guide to assist students in engaging appropriately with the course requirements.

    Workload Total Hours
    2 x 1 hour lecture per week (x 12) 24 hours
    1 x 1 hour tutorial per week or equivalent (x 12) 12 hours
    1 x 3 hours reading in English per week (x 12) 36 hours
    1 x 3 hours research per week (x12) 36 hours
    1 x 3 hours assigment preparation each week (x 12) 36 hours
    Preparation for examination 12 hours
    Total = 156 hours
    Learning Activities Summary
    Provisional lecture timetable

    Week 1: Introduction
    Week 2: A Midsummer Night's Dream
    Week 3: Othello
    Week 4: The Winter's Tale
    Week 5: King Henry V
    Week 6: A Midsummer Night's Dream
    Week 7: Othello
    Week 8: The Winter's Tale
    Week 9: King Henry V
    Week 10: Key Terms and Concepts: revision
    Week 11: Key Terms and Concepts: revision
    Week 12: Course consolifdation and exam revision
    Small Group Discovery Experience
    Small group discovery experiences will take place in the lecture setting and involve textual analysis and formative assessment tasks.
  • Assessment

    The University's policy on Assessment for Coursework Programs is based on the following four principles:

    1. Assessment must encourage and reinforce learning.
    2. Assessment must enable robust and fair judgements about student performance.
    3. Assessment practices must be fair and equitable to students and give them the opportunity to demonstrate what they have learned.
    4. Assessment must maintain academic standards.

    Assessment Summary
    Assessment Task Task Type Due Weighting Learning Outcome
    Textual Analysis Formative and Summative

    Week 6

    		 15%; c. 1000 words 1, 2, 6, 9
    Essay Formative and Summative Week 9 30%; c. 2000 words 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 9
    Journal Summative Week 13 (after the teaching period has ended) 15%; c. 1000 words 1, 3, 5, 8, 9
    Participation Formative 4 Quick Qizzes to be scheduled in lectures 10% for attempting all 4 quizzes 1, 3, 7, 8
    Examination Summative Examination period 30%; 2000 words 1, 2, 3, 6
    Assessment Related Requirements
    Students are expected to have read the four set plays before lectures begin. Note that attendance at lectures dedicated to textual analysis and formative assessment tasks (4 quizzes), and at tutorials is expected.
    Assessment Detail
    Textual Analysis
    Students will be required to comment on a passage from a play they will have studied noting, for example, where the passage occurs, the themes it expresses, language use, and narrative significance to the play as a whole.

    Essay
    Students will be required to write a research essay on one of the set plays. (The essay MUST NOT be on the same play as the close reading exercise). 
    Essay questions: TBA.
     
    Journal
    Students will be provided with a number of short tasks as the basis for journal entries (five in total), which they will discuss in tutorials, revise, and submit for assessment.

    Participation
    Students will attempt 4 quick quizzes, and engage in supportive peer interaction in class activities, and in the co-operative sharing of materials and information.

    Examination
    Section A: Quick Quiz (very short answers)
    Section B: Key Terms and Concepts (short answer questions: 5 x 200 words)
    Section C: Textual Analysis (2 x 500 words)

    Submission
    Textual Analysis: Turnitin submission
    Essay: Turnitin submission
    Journal: Turnitin submission
    Participation: 4 quick quizzes handed up after the lectures in which the quizzes occur to show that the student has attempted each one.

    Extensions for Assignments

    For the policy on extensions for assignments, click on the following link:

    http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/3303

    To apply for an extension for an assignment on medical or compassionate grounds, or in the event of extentuating circumstances, click on the following link, where you will find the relevant forms and information sheets:

    http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/exams/mod_arrange.html

    Replacement / Additional Assessment (formerly supplementary examinations)

    For the policy on replacement / additional assessment, click on the following link:

    http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/3303/

    To apply for replacement assessment (formerly supplementary examinations) based on medical or compassionate grounds, or due to extentuating circumstances, click on the following link, where you will find the relevant forms and information sheets:

    http://www.adelaide.edu.au/student/exams/supps/html
    Course Grading

    Grades for your performance in this course will be awarded in accordance with the following scheme:

    M10 (Coursework Mark Scheme)
    Grade Mark Description
    FNS   Fail No Submission
    F 1-49 Fail
    P 50-64 Pass
    C 65-74 Credit
    D 75-84 Distinction
    HD 85-100 High Distinction
    CN   Continuing
    NFE   No Formal Examination
    RP   Result Pending

    Further details of the grades/results can be obtained from Examinations.

    Grade Descriptors are available which provide a general guide to the standard of work that is expected at each grade level. More information at Assessment for Coursework Programs.

    Final results for this course will be made available through Access Adelaide.

  • Student Feedback

    The University places a high priority on approaches to learning and teaching that enhance the student experience. Feedback is sought from students in a variety of ways including on-going engagement with staff, the use of online discussion boards and the use of Student Experience of Learning and Teaching (SELT) surveys as well as GOS surveys and Program reviews.

    SELTs are an important source of information to inform individual teaching practice, decisions about teaching duties, and course and program curriculum design. They enable the University to assess how effectively its learning environments and teaching practices facilitate student engagement and learning outcomes. Under the current SELT Policy (http://www.adelaide.edu.au/policies/101/) course SELTs are mandated and must be conducted at the conclusion of each term/semester/trimester for every course offering. Feedback on issues raised through course SELT surveys is made available to enrolled students through various resources (e.g. MyUni). In addition aggregated course SELT data is available.

  • Student Support
  • Policies & Guidelines

    This section contains links to relevant assessment-related policies and guidelines - all university policies.

    The policies and guidelines available in the Discipline of English and Creative Writing will apply in this course.
  • Fraud Awareness

    Students are reminded that in order to maintain the academic integrity of all programs and courses, the university has a zero-tolerance approach to students offering money or significant value goods or services to any staff member who is involved in their teaching or assessment. Students offering lecturers or tutors or professional staff anything more than a small token of appreciation is totally unacceptable, in any circumstances. Staff members are obliged to report all such incidents to their supervisor/manager, who will refer them for action under the university's student’s disciplinary procedures.

The University of Adelaide is committed to regular reviews of the courses and programs it offers to students. The University of Adelaide therefore reserves the right to discontinue or vary programs and courses without notice. Please read the important information contained in the disclaimer.
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The University of Adelaide
Adelaide, South Australia
5005 Australia

Australian University Provider Number PRV12105
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Authorised by:Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Vice-President (Academic)
Maintained by:Course Outlines Administrator