ENG 363 - Studies in Shakespeare

Protest and Petition in Shakespeare’s Drama
Across his career and experiments in different genres, Shakespeare returned again and again to the issue of rule, in particular exploring the language and tactics subordinated people used to make requests and issue demands to those in power. Analyzing the language of “petition” and “protest” in Shakespeare’s plays allows us to regard communication between rulers and the ruled, social superiors and inferiors, as a source not only of compelling plot lines and theatrical spectacles, but also of artful rhetoric and poetic expression. Placing Shakespeare’s plays in conversation with early modern prose works that discuss hierarchies constructed along intersecting lines of gender and social rank, we will assess the language and function of “speaking up” in Shakespeare’s works, as well as the ways in which his plays explore the consequences of such speech-or its absence. Assigned texts will include early modern prose and contemporary criticism. Plays will include Henry V, Coriolanus, King Lear, Measure for Measure, and The Winter’s Tale, among others. This course applies toward the department’s pre-1700 requirement.

Unit(s): 1
Group Distribution Requirement(s): Distribution Group I
Prerequisite(s): Two ENG courses at the 200-level or higher
Instructional Method: Conference
Grading Mode: Letter grading (A-F)
Repeatable for Credit: May be taken 4 times for credit
Notes: Not all topics offered every year. Review schedule of classes for availability. Review specific descriptions for applicability to department requirements.

Protest and Petition in Shakespeare’s Drama
This course applies toward the department’s pre-1700 requirement.
Group Distribution Learning Outcome(s):

Understand how arguments can be made, visions presented, or feelings or ideas conveyed through language or other modes of expression (symbols, movement, images, sounds, etc.);
Analyze and interpret texts, whether literary or philosophical, in English or a foreign language, or works of the visual or performing arts;
Evaluate arguments made in or about texts (whether literary or philosophical, in English or a foreign language, or works of the visual or performing arts).