English 416
Shakespeare: The Problem Plays and
Romances
Dr. Michael Bryson
Sierra Tower 832
818-677-5695
michael.bryson@csun.edu
COURSE DESCRIPTION:
This
course will explore seven of Shakespeare's later plays (along with one earlier
play that resembles them in many ways), often referred to, in shorthand, as
the "problem" and "romance" plays. These are among Shakespeare's more
cynical plays, works that come either to uncomfortable resolutions or no
resolutions at all. They feature lies and manipulation, disguise and
hypocrisy, and are quite nearly misanthropic in their view of human
nature—perfect springtime reading.
EVALUATION METHOD:
Midterm essay, final
essay.
ASSIGNMENTS:
Midterm:
in the range of 1500 words, this will be comprised of responses to essay
questions, and will require you to present an analysis of characters from
the plays we will have read to that point. These essays
will not require secondary sources, but will require you to read the
plays closely, and cite evidence from the plays (using
MLA citation...see
this site for a fairly useful set of examples about how to handle
quotations)
to back up your arguments. The midterm will be due at the beginning
of class on 3/27. Staple everything together into
one paper--do not hand in multiple, separate papers.
Final:
also in the range 1500 words, this will be comprised of responses to essay
questions, and will require you to present an analysis of characters from
the blocks of plays we will have read to that point. These essays
will not require secondary sources, but will require you to read the
plays closely, and cite evidence from the plays (using
MLA citation)
to back up your arguments.
The final essay will be due by 11:59:59 PM on
Monday, 5/15. Finals
must
be submitted via email to the address listed above.
Combine everything in one file/attachment--do not send multiple, separate
attachments.
READING LIST:
Complete Pelican Shakespeare
Statement on Academic Dishonesty:
Plagiarism is a serious offense that will be treated seriously. Please read
the CSUN policy
here.
Weekly Preview
Week 1 (1/23):
Introductions
Week 2 (1/30):
Sonnets 1-3, 15, 18, 55, 94, 116, 130, 138
Week 3 (2/6):
Measure for Measure
Week 4 (2/13):
Measure for Measure
Week 5 (2/20):
All's Well that Ends
Well
Week 6 (2/27):
All's Well that Ends Well
Week 7 (3/6):
The Merchant of Venice
Week 8 (3/13):
The Merchant of
Venice (Midterm assigned)
3/20: Off for
Spring Break
Week 9 (3/27):
Troilus and Cressida (Midterm Due)
Week 10 (4/3):
Troilus and Cressida
Week 11 (4/10):
Timon of Athens
Week 12 (4/17):
Pericles, Prince of Tyre
Week 13 (4/24):
The Winter's Tale
Week 14 (5/1):
The Tempest
Week 15 (5/8):
Off.
Work on final essays
Final due
11:59:59 PM on 5/15
