Ateneo - UPO

INTRODUCTION TO SHAKESPEARE

Margreta De Grazia, Stanley Wells, The New Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare Studies, Cambridge, CUP, 2010, ISBN 9780521713931; Franco Marenco, La parola in scena, UTET libreria, 2004; Frank Kermode, The Age of Shakespeare, Londra, Phoenix, 2004; Emma Smith, This is Shakespeare, Penguin, 2020.

The basic educational objectives of the course are: 1. knowledge of the structure and evolution of Shakespearean drama, seen in the context of early-Modern England; 2. the ability to critically analyze and synthesize the texts considered, with particular attention to their linguistic dimension and the relationship between texts and contexts; 3.the ability to clearly and effectively communicate knowledge, information, and opinions related to the topics covered, using appropriate language and terminology.
A more advanced objective is the development of the ability to identify the rhetorical and stylistic features of Shakespearean drama and critically assess their relationship with tradition.

B1 level of English

Lectures and in-class readings of primary texts

Students with physical disabilities, Learning Disabilities or Special Education Needs can request specific services and tools via the Staff Sviluppo e Coordinamento Carriere e Servizi alle Studentesse e agli Studenti, consulting the University webpage: https://www.uniupo.it/en/services/services-students-physical-or-learning-disabilities Students with disabilities, learning disabilities or special education needs, once they have contacted the University Staff, can refer to the tutor in charge of the course to define the examination modalities, concerning academic aspects.

Oral exam in English, lasting approximately 20 minutes and divided into two parts: 1) questions about the literary and historical background; 2) discussion of the Shakespearian texts covered in class. The oral exam will assess:
- the knowledge of the texts and topics covered in class;
- the knowledge of the cultural contexts of the primary texts;
- the ability to use the appropriate lexicon in English to communicate – clearly and effectively – knowledge, information and opinions;
- the degree of coherence, accuracy and relevance of the student's answers.

Grading criteria:
27-30: firm grasp of the topics dealt with; excellent analytical and argumentative skills; personal and critical approach
30 cum Laude: all of the above, plus personal and critical approach; independent work on specific topics not included in the syllabus
23-26: mostly mnemonic/mechanical approach to the topics dealt with; satisfactory analytical and argumentative skills
18-22: basic knowledge of the topics dealt with; basic argumentative and analytical skills

This course is meant as an introduction to Shakespearean drama, which will be discussed in the wider cultural and political context of early-modern England. The first part will concentrate on the use, transmission and representation of Shakespeare's texts, and will be followed by two thematic clusters devoted to the discussion of the issue of race and gender in, respectively, Othello and The Merchant of Venice.

(KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING)
• Knowledge of the main features of Shakespeare's dramatic output and the relevant critical interpretations; the role of drama in 16th-17thC English culture and the political, economic, social, sexual changes of the period.
(APPLYING KNOWLEDGE AND UNDERSTANDING)
• Ability to grasp and understand the connections between texts and contexts (historical, geographical, political), using the critical and methodological tools appropriate to the analysis of the texts considered.
• Ability to find, select and assess relevant information, so as to develop a cogent line of argument
• Ability to use the appropriate lexicon in English to communicate – clearly and effectively – knowledge, information and opinions related to the topics dealt with.

In order to achieve the knowledge, skills, and abilities corresponding to the basic level, the student is required to demonstrate:
(KNOWLEDGE) Knowledge of the main features of Shakespeare's dramatic works; an understanding of the role of theatre in English culture during the late 16th and early 17th centuries; knowledge of the major political, economic, and social changes in early modern England, including issues of gender;
(SKILLS) The ability to analyze and synthesize the assigned texts, with particular attention to their linguistic dimension and the relationship between text, context, and performance;
(TRANSVERSAL SKILLS) The ability to clearly and effectively present knowledge, information, and opinions related to the topics covered, using appropriate language and terminology.
To achieve an advanced level, the student must demonstrate the ability to: analyze the assigned texts with particular attention to their stylistic and rhetorical dimensions; find, select and assess relevant information, so as to develop a cogent line of argument.