EN2SH-Shakespeare

Module Provider: English Literature
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:5
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: English Part 1 or A-Level (A*, A or B)
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2021/2

Module Convenor: Prof Lucinda Becker
Email: l.m.becker@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

The module is organised chronologically in order to focus attention on different stages, genres, and periods of Shakespeare’s career as a dramatist, and begins with a lecture on the contexts of Shakespeare’s theatre, including political and social influences. Close study of at least seven plays, including A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Richard II, Measure for Measure, Hamlet, Julius Caesar, Macbeth, and The Tempest, will encourage students to explore aspects of tradition and innovation in Shakespeare’s use of theatrical modes. The module will allow students to integrate a knowledge of the intellectual, cultural and stage history of the period into their study of the texts.

Aims:
This module aims to provide students with knowledge and understanding of a range of Shakespeare£s plays. It is designed to promote an analytical appreciation of representative modes and genres in Shakespearean drama, and to develop students£ awareness of the relationship between the texts and wider socio-cultural contexts of the period.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Assessable outcomes

By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:
£ analyse the distinctive characteristics of the selected primary texts
£ recognise and discuss aspects of Shakespeare£s dramatic development
£ demonstrate an awareness of the plays in their contexts
£ engage critically with the ideas presented in lectures, seminars, or secondary materials
£ organise and articulate a coherent written argument, both in coursework e ssays and under timed examination conditions.

Additional outcomes:
Oral and written communication skills will be developed, together with critical, interpretative and analytical abilities. Students will also enhance their IT competence through the use of relevant web resources in a critically informed manner.

Outline content:
The module is organised chronologically in order to focus attention on different stages, genres, and periods of Shakespeare£s career as a dramatist. Close study of at least six plays will encourage students to explore aspects of tradition and innovation in Shakespeare£s use of theatrical modes. The module will also require students to integrate a knowledge of the intellectual, political, religious and stage history of the period into their study of the texts.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
A combination of lectures and structured seminar discussion, for which students are required to do preparatory reading. Students are also entitled to a half-hour tutorial on their formative essay. With the consent of the module convenor, students may also undertake a placement, through which they will learn how to apply the knowledge and skills gained in studying for this module in a professional context outside the University.

Contact hours:

Ìý	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Lectures	20		1
Seminars	10
Tutorials	0.5
Practicals classes and workshops			2
Guided independent study:	129.5		37
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours by term	160	0	40
Ìý	Ìý	Ìý	Ìý
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Examination (50%), to be sat during the Sumer Term.

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

Assessed essay (50%)

Formative assessment methods:

Formative Assessment Methods - work which provides opportunities to improve performance (e.g. through feedback provided) but which does not necessarily always contribute towards the overall module mark: Students write one formative essay, of approximately 2000 words. Feedback will also be provided on the assessed essay of 2000 words, or the equivalent placement report.

Penalties for late submission:

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at:
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of at least 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination in August. Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. Otherwise it must be resubmitted inÌýAugust.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

1) Required text books:Ìý

2) Specialist equipment or materials:Ìý

3) Specialist clothing, footwear or headgear:Ìý

4) Printing and binding:Ìý

5) Computers and devices with a particular specification:Ìý

6) Travel, accommodation and subsistence:Ìý

Last updated: 3 November 2021