BENG101
Shakespearean Drama

ECTS Value: 6 ECTS

Contact Hours: 30

Self Study Hours: 72

Assessment Hours: 48

 

Overall Objectives and Outcomes

This module delves into the world of Shakespearean drama, exploring the timeless works of William Shakespeare through an analysis of his most significant plays. Students will examine key themes such as power, love, fate, ambition and identity, while also considering the socio-political context of Elizabethan England. Through the study of Shakespeare’s distinctive use of language, including his mastery of iambic pentameter and poetic devices, the module will offer insights into the complexities of his characters and plots. Additionally, the course will address the enduring influence of Shakespeare on modern literature, theatre, and culture. By the end of the module, students will have developed a deeper appreciation of Shakespeare’s contribution to the arts and his lasting impact on the human experience.

By the end of this module, the learner will be able to:

Competences

  • a)Critically analyse key themes, motifs, and symbols in selected works of Shakespeare, identifying their relevance to both the Elizabethan era and contemporary society;
  • b)Interpret Shakespeare’s use of language, including his mastery of verse, prose, and rhetorical devices, and explain how these contribute to character development and plot progression;
  • c)Analyse Shakespeare’s impact on shaping the English language and literary and dramatic traditions worldwide;
  • d)Demonstrate proficiency in communicating Shakespearian key themes, language features, and dramatic techniques to secondary school students in an engaging and accessible manner.
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Knowledge

  • a)Explore a variety of Shakespearean texts, their plot, characters, themes and language use;
  • b)Develop knowledge of the socio-political and cultural contexts in which Shakespeare’s plays were written;
  • c)Identify how these socio-political and cultural contexts influence the themes and messages in the plays;
  • d)Develop an understanding of Shakespeare’s impact on the English language and how his plays continue to shape literary and dramatic traditions worldwide.
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Skills

  • a)Critically compare and contrast Shakespeare’s dramatic techniques across different genres, such as tragedy, comedy, history, and romance, after understanding the conventions that define them;
  • b)Independently engage in close reading and textual analysis to develop well-supported arguments in written and oral presentations about Shakespearean drama;
  • c)Demonstrate Shakespeare’s impact on the English language and how his plays continue to shape literary and dramatic traditions worldwide;
  • d)Design creative approaches for teaching Shakespearean language, including the use of performance-based activities, modern adaptations, and multimedia resources to help students connect with the material;
  • e)Develop structured oral and written arguments that critically analyse Shakespearean themes, language, and dramatic techniques;
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Assessment Methods

This module will be assessed through: Literacy Analysis and Lesson Plan

Suggested Readings

Core Reading List

  1. Bate, J., & Shakespeare, W. (1997). The genius of Shakespeare. Picador.
  2. Bloom, H. (1999). Shakespeare: the invention of the human. Fourth Estate.
  3. Dillon, J. (2007). The Cambridge introduction to Shakespeare’s tragedies. CUP.
  4. Draper, R.P. (2000). Shakespeare: The Comedies (Analysing Texts). Palgrave Macmillan.
  5. Greenblatt, S. (2016). Will in the world: how Shakespeare became Shakespeare. Bodley Head.
  6. Greenblatt, S., Howard, J. E., & Maus, K. E. (1997). The Norton Shakespeare: based on the Oxford edition. Norton
  7. Hattaway, M. (2002). The Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare’s History Plays. CUP.
  8. Leggatt, A. (2001). The Cambridge Companion to Shakespearean Comedy. CUP.

Supplementary Reading List

  1. Craik, K. A., & Pollard, T. (Eds.). (2013). Shakespearean sensations: Experiencing literature in early modern England. Cambridge University Press.
  2. Crystal, D., & Crystal, B. (2002). Shakespeare’s words: a glossary and language companion. Penguin.
  3. Drakakis, J. (1992). Shakespearean tragedy. Longman.
  4. Poole, A. (2005). Tragedy: A very short introduction. Oxford University Press.
  5. Sedgwick, F. (2011). Resources for teaching Shakespeare: 11-16. Bloomsbury.
  6. Shaughnessy, R. (Ed.). (2007). The Cambridge companion to Shakespeare and popular culture. Cambridge University Press.
  7. Wilson Knight, G. (2001). The Wheel of Fire: Interpretations of Shakespearian Tragedy. Routledge.
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