Introductory description

The central purpose of this module is to encourage students to combine detailed critical response to particular Shakespearean texts with a sense of the dynamic relations between literature and history. We will look at Shakespeare's sources and how he uses them; at the historical contexts in which Shakespeare was writing that inform his plays; at how historical contexts affected the reception of Shakespeare's plays; and at the different ways in which 'history' was conceived in the early modern period and how this affected playwrighting.

The module is constructed so that we spend two weeks on each text: the first a discussion of the play and set readings and the second a workshop in which students bring material to the group for discussion. This is a research-based module which will ask you to go and find something interesting about each play to share with the class. Full guidance will be given about how to do this so it shouldn't be a daunting prospect -- this is about sharing what excites you with all of the rest of us.

Module web page

Module aims

Outline syllabus

This is an indicative module outline only to give an indication of the sort of topics that may be covered. Actual sessions held may differ.

INDICATIVE OUTLINE

1. Hamlet
2. Hamlet workshop
3. King Lear
4. King Lear workshop
5. Macbeth
6. Macbeth workshop
7. Antony and Cleopatra
8. Antony and Cleopatra workshop
9. The Tempest
10. The Tempest workshop

Learning outcomes

By the end of the module, students should be able to:

• Demonstrate a wide and deep knowledge of Shakespearean texts which engage with the dynamic relations between literature and history
• Demonstrate detailed knowledge and advanced understanding of the historical contexts in which Shakespeare was writing and how these inform his plays
• Demonstrate detailed knowledge and advanced understanding of Shakespeare's sources and how he uses them
• Critique, evaluate and advance the current debates around the ways in which 'history' was conceived in the early modern period
• Demonstrate advanced, detailed subject knowledge informed by recent research/scholarship at the forefront of the discipline
• Evaluate the uncertainty, ambiguity and limitations of knowledge in the discipline
• Demonstrate detailed knowledge and advanced understanding of how historical contexts affect the reception of Shakespeare's plays

Indicative reading list

Shakespearean plays: (currently) Hamlet; King Lear; Macbeth; Antony and Cleopatra and The Tempest. May change year on year to accommodate staff interests and RSC schedule

Research element

The assessments will require students to do significant independent research at an advanced level

Interdisciplinary

The module requires students to operate across both literature and history.

Subject specific skills

• read closely and critically
• analyse texts and discourses, and respond to the affective power of language,
  using appropriate approaches and terminology
• develop independent and imaginative interpretations of literary, critical, linguistic or
  creative material
• articulate a critical understanding of complex texts and ideas (and of their historical
  relations where appropriate)
• write clearly, accurately and effectively
• apply scholarly bibliographic skills appropriate to the subject

Transferable skills

• discover and synthesize complex information and diverse evidence
• respond creatively and imaginatively to research tasks
• initiate projects of their own
• present information within wider contexts
• test, interpret and analyse information and evidence independently and critically,
  producing from that analysis cogent arguments and decisive judgements
• plan, organise and report to deadline.
• articulate their own and other people's ideas concisely, accurately and persuasively
  both orally and in writing
• develop working relationships with others in teams, especially through constructive
  dialogue (for example, by listening, asking and responding to questions)
• understand the role of narrative and emotion in decision-making
• be sensitive to cultural contexts when working with others.