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ENGLISH 234 GENERIC COURSE SYLLABUS
             
I.
Course Prefix
Course No.
Course Name
Credit
Lecture
Lab
 
EGL
234
Introduction to Shakespeare
3
3
0
             
II. Prerequisite:
   
  EGL 101 or placement into 101
   
III. Course (Catalog) Description:
   
 

Course introduces the study of Shakespeare through focus on six to eight plays, selected from among comedies, tragedies and histories. Content includes social, cultural, literary, and historical context of the plays; changing interpretations; individual examples of performance taken from films, recordings, and attendance at local theatres (when possible); terminology and methods of literary analysis and evaluation.
   
IV. Learning Objectives:
   
  The student will be able to:
 

1. Identify and discuss the conventions of Shakespearean comedy, tragedy and history,     with reference to their roots in the classical drama.

2. Recognize and discuss Shakespeare's techniques of characterization with regard to     the protagonist, antagonist, foil, clown or fool, etc.

3. Explicate Shakespearean language with respect to its poetic conventions, literal and     figurative meaning.

4. Place the plots and themes of the plays studied in literary and historical perspective.

V. Academic Integrity:
   
  Students and employees at Oakton Community College are required to demonstrate academic integrity and follow Oakton’s Code of Academic Conduct. This code prohibits:

• cheating,
• plagiarism (turning in work not written by you, or lacking proper citation),
• falsification and fabrication (lying or distorting the truth),
• helping others to cheat,
• unauthorized changes on official documents,
• pretending to be someone else or having someone else pretend to be you,
• making or accepting bribes, special favors, or threats, and
• any other behavior that violates academic integrity.

There are serious consequences to violations of the academic integrity policy. Oakton’s policies and procedures provide students a fair hearing if a complaint is made against you. If you are found to have violated the policy, the minimum penalty is failure on the assignment and, a disciplinary record will be established and kept on file in the office of the Vice President for Student Affairs for a period of 3 years.

Details of the Code of Academic Conduct can be found in the Student Handbook.
   
VI. Topics Covered:
 

Six to eight plays, studied for two to three weeks each.

A paper or exam will be required on each play studied, plus a final examination and an in-class presentation.

Possible detailed syllabus--

Week One:
Introduction to Shakespeare's England and his stage

Week Two through Five:
Comedies--A Midsummer Night's Dream The Tempest

Weeks Six through Nine:
Histories--Henry IV, Part One Henry IV, Part Two

Weeks Ten through Fifteen:
Tragedies--Othello Hamlet

   
VII. Methods of Instruction:
 

Lecture/discussion

Class viewing of appropriate films, videos, tapes, performances

   
VIII. Course Practices Required:
   
 

Three papers of three to five typewritten pages, analyzing three of the plays studied in terms of a key character, speech or thematic idea.

Three hour exams, combining essay and objective items, on three of the plays studied.

One in-class presentation of a paper.

One final exam.

Attendance at performances scheduled other than during class time will be encouraged, but optional
   
IX. Instructional Materials:
   
 

Paperback versions of the plays studied

Appropriate films, videos, etc., as noted above

   
X. Methods of Evaluating Student Progress:
   
 

Letter grades will be given for all papers and tests.

Attendance and class participation will be taken into consideration.

   
XI. Other Course Information:
   
 

Attendance policy

For whatever information/procedures the instructor holds the student accountable.

If you have a documented learning, psychological, or physical disability you may be entitled to reasonable academic accommodations or services. To request accommodations or services, contact the ASSIST office in Instructional Support Services. All students are expected to fulfill essential course requirements. The College will not waive any essential skill or requirement of a course or degree program.
   
 
June 2006