Please Note: This Class Syllabus is an important step in updating the format of our distance classes. If for any reason the Class Syllabus does not
match the print Course Guide or online class information, the Class Syllabus shall be taken as correct.
CLASS SYLLABUS
COURSE TITLE:
Shakespeare Comedy and History
COURSE CODE:
ENG 224.3
TERM:
Winter 2015
COURSE CREDITS:
3 Credits
DELIVERY:
Online
COURSE SECTION:
W02
START DATE:
January 5, 2015
END DATE:
April 8, 2015
Course Description
This course will focus on the romantic comedies and English history plays that Shakespeare wrote
for Elizabethan audiences in the first half of his theatre career; it will also include the darker, more
tragicomic “problem comedies” that he wrote under James I.
Course Learning Outcomes
Upon completion of this course, students should have
1. Developed core understanding of Shakespeare's romantic comedies and history plays, as well
as the contexts they were written in and for.
2. Improved their skills in analyzing drama and writing formal essays.
Class Overview
The course will engage with eight plays, starting with three comedies, then three history plays, and
finally two problem plays. The material is delivered in nine modules: one introductory one and one
for each of the plays. Assignments will consist of two formal essays, two discussion papers, and a
final examination. There will also be the opportunity for informal discussion with other students.
Your Instructor
Dr. Barry Popowich, Sessional Lecturer, English Department, University of Saskatchewan.
Contact Information
Course contact is via email, to barry.popowich@usask.ca. Emails will be checked regularly during
the week, and replies should come within in 24 hours, with the exception of weekends. Please
check your emails regularly for any messages that may have information or instructions for the
class. (Please try to avoid last minute requests.)
December 16, 2014 kd ck kd bp
ENGLISH 224.3 – Shakespeare Comedy and History
Profile
I have been teaching Shakespeare since 1994, and English literature since 1985, in Saskatoon,
Prince Albert and other Saskatchewan centres, sometimes in live classes, and for the last ten
years also through televised delivery. I also have worked as a college administrator for a number of
years. Prior to entering teaching, I graduated in Economics and worked in government and finance
for ten years.
Born, raised, and educated in Saskatchewan, I appreciate the opportunity to work with students
now engaged in scholarly work. I currently live on a 110 year-old farm just outside Saskatoon, and
am able to enjoy both rural and urban life on a daily basis, and hope to be able to engage with
students with a wide range of experiences. My teaching philosophy is based upon offering
interesting and worthy course material, and being a model for the analytical methods employed in
studying literature. My interest in Shakespeare goes back to high school literature classes in
eastern Saskatchewan, where I had the good fortune to be taught by gifted teachers.
Required Resources
Readings/Textbooks
Shakespeare, William. The Necessary Shakespeare. 4th Edition. Ed. David Bevington. Longman,
2013.
Requirements for Essays. Dept of English. University of Saskatchewan.
http://artsandscience.usask.ca/english/pdf/RequirementsForEssays.pdf
Textbooks are available from the University of Saskatchewan Bookstore:
www.usask.ca/consumer_services/bookstore/textbooks
Electronic Resources
The course modules are available online. In some cases they contain links to supplemental
readings and video material.
Downloads
Any downloads or linked material will be accessible through standard web browsers or Adobe
Reader, which is available free online. To install this software, click this link and follow the
download and installation instructions: http://get.adobe.com/reader.
Supplementary Resources
See the modules in Blackboard as applicable.
Page 2 of 10
ENGLISH 224.3 – Shakespeare Comedy and History
Class Schedule
Week
Module
Readings and Media
Evaluation
Due Date
Bevington, David. “Early Comedy” The Necessary
Shakespeare. Fourth Edition. Ed. David
Bevington. New York, Longman, 2013. xi-xli.
[Textbook]
“Reading Shakespeare in the Twenty-First
Century.” The Necessary Shakespeare.
Fourth Edition. Ed. David Bevington. New
York: Longman, 2013. xi-xiv. [Textbook]
January
5-9
2015
“Shakespeare's World: A Visual Portfolio.” The
Necessary Shakespeare. Ed. David
Bevington. New York: Longman, 2013.
inserted between xxxii and xxxiii. [Textbook]
Introduction.
Module 1
“About Us.” Shakespeare on the Saskatchewan.
http://www.shakespeareonthesaskatchewan.
com/about_us
“Shakespeare in the Park Festivals.”
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakespeare_in_t
he_Park_festivals
Much Ado About Nothing. Dir. Kenneth Branagh.
Youtube. Parts 1-8.
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLAD
408DF97C61FA86
Shakespeare: Original Pronunciation. Open
University.
http://www.open.edu/openlearn/history-thearts/shakespeare-critical-analysis?track=11
Alchin, Linda. “Elizabethan Wedding Customs.”
http://www.williamshakespeare.info/elizabethan-weddingcustoms.htm
January
12-23
2015
The Taming
of the Shrew.
Module 2
Bevington, David. “Introductory Essay.” The
Taming of the Shrew. The Necessary
Shakespeare. Fourth Edition. Ed. David
Bevington. New York: Longman, 2013. 2-4.
[Textbook]
Shakespeare, William. The Taming of the Shrew.
The Necessary Shakespeare. Fourth Edition.
Ed. David Bevington. New York: Longman,
2013. [Textbook]
Page 3 of 10
ENGLISH 224.3 – Shakespeare Comedy and History
January
26-30
2015
February
2-6
2015
February
9-13
2015
Much Ado
About
Nothing.
Module 3
As You Like
It. Module 4
The First Part
of King Henry
IV. Module 5
February
16-20
2015
February
23-27
2015
March
2-13
2015
Bevington, David. “Introductory Essay.” Much Ado
About Nothing. The Necessary
Shakespeare. Fourth Edition. Ed. David
Bevington. New York: Longman, 2013. 113116. [Textbook]
Shakespeare, William. Much Ado About Nothing.
The Necessary Shakespeare. Fourth Edition.
Ed. David Bevington. New York: Longman,
2013. [Textbook]
Bevington, David. “Introductory Essay.” As You
Like It. The Necessary Shakespeare. Fourth
Edition. Ed. David Bevington. New York:
Longman, 2013. 150-154. [Textbook]
Shakespeare, William. As You Like It. The
Necessary Shakespeare. Fourth Edition. Ed.
David Bevington. New York: Longman, 2013.
[Textbook]
First
discussion
paper due
January 30
via
Blackboard
First essay
due by
12:00 pm,
February 6
via
Blackboard
Bevington, David. “Introductory Essay.” The First
Part of King Henry the Fourth. The
Necessary Shakespeare. Fourth Edition. Ed.
David Bevington. New York: Longman, 2013.
370-373. [Textbook]
Shakespeare, William. The First Part of King
Henry IV. The Necessary Shakespeare.
Fourth Edition. Ed. David Bevington. New
York: Longman, 2013. [Textbook]
Midterm Break - No Evaluations Due
Henry V.
Module 6
Bevington, David. “Introductory Essay.” The Life
of Henry the Fifth. The Necessary
Shakespeare. Fourth Edition. Ed. David
Bevington. New York: Longman, 2013. 412416. [Textbook]
Shakespeare, William. The Life of Henry the Fifth.
The Necessary Shakespeare. Fourth Edition.
Ed. David Bevington. New York: Longman,
2013. [Textbook]
Richard III.
Module 7
Bevington, David. “Introductory Essay.” The
Tragedy of Richard III. The Necessary
Shakespeare. Fourth Edition. Ed. David
Bevington. New York: Longman, 2013. 270273. [Textbook]
Second
discussion
paper due
by March 6
via
Blackboard
Page 4 of 10
ENGLISH 224.3 – Shakespeare Comedy and History
Shakespeare, William. The Tragedy of Richard III.
The Necessary Shakespeare. Fourth Edition.
Ed. David Bevington. New York: Longman,
2013. [Textbook]
March
16-20
2015
March
23-April
8
2015
The
Merchant of
Venice.
Module 8
Measure for
Measure.
Module 9
Bevington, David. “Introductory Essay.” The
Merchant of Venice. The Necessary
Shakespeare. Fourth Edition. Ed. David
Bevington. New York: Longman, 2013. 227230. [Textbook]
Shakespeare, William. The Merchant of Venice.
The Necessary Shakespeare. Fourth Edition.
Ed. David Bevington. New York: Longman,
2013. [Textbook]
Second
essay due
by 12:00
pm March
27 via
Blackboard
Bevington, David. “Introductory Essay.” Measure
for Measure. The Necessary Shakespeare.
Fourth Edition. Ed. David Bevington. New
York: Longman, 2013. 74-79. [Textbook]
Shakespeare, William. Measure for Measure. The
Necessary Shakespeare. Fourth Edition. Ed.
David Bevington. New York: Longman, 2013.
[Textbook]
FINAL EXAM
(Date/time
TBA)
Note: If for any reason the Class Syllabus Reading List does not match the Module Reading List, the Class
Syllabus shall be taken as correct.
Grading Scheme
Two discussion papers
(5% each)
10.00%
First essay
Second essay
30.00%
30.00%
Final exam
30.00%
Total
100%
Information on literal descriptors for grading at the University of Saskatchewan can be found at:
http://students.usask.ca/current/academics/grades/grading-system.php
Please note: There are different literal descriptors for undergraduate and graduate students.
Page 5 of 10
ENGLISH 224.3 – Shakespeare Comedy and History
More information on the Academic Courses Policy on course delivery, examinations and
assessment of student learning can be found at: http://policies.usask.ca/policies/academicaffairs/academic-courses.php
The University of Saskatchewan Learning Charter is intended to define aspirations about the
learning experience that the University aims to provide, and the roles to be played in realizing these
aspirations by students, instructors and the institution. A copy of the Learning Charter can be found
at: http://policies.usask.ca/documents/LearningCharter.pdf
Evaluation Components
CCDE Writing Centre - Quality writing help for free!
Anyone taking a distance class (online, independent studies, televised, or multi–mode delivery)
administered by the CCDE can use this free service. The Writing Centre provides tools and support
to help you write effective essays, reports, or reviews. Simply submit a project draft, and a qualified
tutor will assess your work and offer advice to improve your project. Contact the CCDE Writing
Centre at http://www.ccde.usask.ca/writing
Assignment 1: First Essay
Value:
30 % of final grade
Due Date:
See Class Schedule
Purpose:
This paper (approx. 8 pages) is to be a formal, persuasive essay, establishing a
thesis and providing supporting evidence from the play under discussion. In addition to the use of
direct quotations from the play under analysis, secondary research from academic sources is also
required.
Description: Use the MLA style format as outlined in Requirements for Essays. You are to
generate your own topic based upon the readings or the suggested discussion topics, but for the
first essay you should consult with me on the topic early in the process. It is expected that you will
choose a play from Modules 2, 3 and 4.
Assignment 2: Second Essay
Value:
30 % of final grade
Due Date:
See Class Schedule
Purpose:
This paper (approx. 8 pages) is to be a formal, persuasive essay, establishing a
thesis and providing supporting evidence from the play under discussion. In addition to the use of
direct quotations from the play under analysis, secondary research from academic sources is also
required.
Description: Use the MLA style format as outlined in Requirements for Essays. You are to
generate your own topic, but may consult with me early in the process. It is expected that you will
choose a play from Modules 5-9.
Information on literal descriptors of grading at the University of Saskatchewan can be found at
http://students.usask.ca/current/academics/grades/grading-system.php
Page 6 of 10
ENGLISH 224.3 – Shakespeare Comedy and History
Discussion Forums
Value:
10% of final grade
Due Date:
See Class Schedule
Purpose:
Students may participate in the Discussion Forums throughout the term. Based on
these discussions and the discussions questions given in the modules students will submit 2
discussion papers (one-half to one page each) via Blackboard for evaluation and credit.
Description: The discussion papers are to be reactions and possible further questions prompted
by the reading of the plays or related material. They will be graded in response to their focus and
relevance to the material, as well as their clarity of expression. The first paper is to discuss content
or topics from Modules 1-3, and the second from 4-9.
Final Exam
Value:
Date:
Length:
Purpose:
plays studied.
Description:
30% of final grade
See Class Schedule
3 hours
The exam will be structured as a number of essay questions based upon the eight
It will be invigilated and handwritten.
Paper dictionaries are allowed, but no electronic devices can be used.
If you are writing your final exam in Saskatoon, you do not need to complete an
Application for Final Examination. The time and location of your exam will be listed in
the Final Examination schedule in your PAWS account.
If you would like to write your final exam at a site outside Saskatoon, you must
register to write the final exam by completing an Application Form for Final
Examination. The application form and further information will be forwarded to you in
early February.
Submitting Assignments
Assignments are to be submitted electronically via Blackboard. See the course schedule for due
dates.
Additional Information
Must Pass Information
All assignments and the final exam must be completed in order to receive credit for the course. If
an assignment or exam is not completed, then the maximum grade allowable will be 49%
regardless of the weighting of the other assignments.
Late assignments
Late essays will be penalized at 3% per day including weekends. No assignments will be accepted
for grading after April 8, 2015.
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ENGLISH 224.3 – Shakespeare Comedy and History
Students with Disabilities
Students who have disabilities (learning, medical, physical, or mental health) are strongly
encouraged to register with Disability Services for Students (DSS) if they have not already done so.
Students who suspect they may have disabilities should contact DSS for advice and referrals. In
order to access DSS programs and supports, students must follow DSS policy and procedures. For
more information, check http://www.students.usask.ca/disability/, or contact DSS at 966-7273
or dss@usask.ca.
Integrity Defined (from the Office of the University Secretary)
“Integrity is expected of all students in their academic work – class participation, examinations,
assignments, research, practica – and in their non-academic interactions and activities as well.”
(Office of the University Secretary)
It is your responsibility to be familiar with the University of Saskatchewan Guidelines for Academic
Conduct. More information is available at
http://www.usask.ca/secretariat/student-conduct-appeals/IntegrityDefined.pdf
Plagiarism is a particular concern and a serious offence. Information on how to recognize
and avoid plagiarism is important to review.
Module Objectives
Module 1: Introduction to the course.
1. Examine Shakespeare's place in dramatic literature, and the plays' presence in the past and
present theatre.
2. Compare a play interpreted on film to live stage productions.
3. Explore the society and audience that Shakespeare wrote his plays for originally.
4. Explore the use of Shakespeare's work today.
Module 2: The Taming of the Shrew.
1. Examine Shakespeare's comic method, often based upon complications of courtship, love,
family dynamics, and marriage.
2. Identify the key dramatic and comedic elements of this play and how they are presented through
character and action.
3. Investigate how the play reflects the society of the time, particularly in regards to expectations
for marriage.
5. Compare the themes of this play with social and gender expectations of love and courtship; and,
6. Interpret the place of Kate's final speech in understanding the play's presentation of how males
and females anticipate their roles in marriage.
Module 3: Much Ado About Nothing
1. Analyze Shakespeare's approach to comic drama.
2. Explore the concurrent development of the two love relationships as indicating romantic
expectations.
3. Examine the play's movement to near tragedy, and to appraise the romantic ending of the play.
Page 8 of 10
ENGLISH 224.3 – Shakespeare Comedy and History
Module 4: As You Like It
1. Examine Shakespeare's comic method, again based upon complications of courtship, love,
family and political dynamics, with marriage as the hoped for outcome.
2. Identify the key dramatic and comedic elements of this play and how they are presented through
character, action and setting.
4. Investigate how the play reflects the society of the time, in the two contrasting visions of the
corrupt court and the transforming forest that returns its inhabitants to a better nature.
5. Examine some rare comments in plays of the time in regard to our relationship to the natural
world of animals.
Module 5: The First Part of Henry IV
1. Discuss the relationship of the play's elements and the historical sensibility of the audience, and
to identify the genre characteristics of an English history play.
2. Examine and evaluate the characterization of the King and Prince.
3. Explore the character group centred on Falstaff and how it is used in the presentation.
Module 6: Henry V
1. Examine Shakespeare's treatment of historical matters from English history, including the
presentation of theme and character, specifically those contained in The First Part of Henry IV.
2. Identify the key dramatic elements of this play and how they are presented through character
and action.
3. Analyze how leadership challenges are considered in the play with special consideration of the
role of king.
4. Contrast characters central to the story.
5. Analyze the words and style of principal characters.
Module 7: Richard III
1. Examine further Shakespeare's treatment of historical matters from English history, including the
presentation of theme and character, specifically those contained in the Richard III.
2. Identify the key dramatic elements of this play and how they are presented through character
and action.
3. Analyze the play's presentation of the strategy used by Richard to gain the throne, in particular
his skill in deception and secret actions.
4. Consider how his physical characteristics are suggested as causes to the king's imperfections of
character.
5. Analyze how various female characters' responses to Richard signify him as evil.
Module 8: The Merchant of Venice
1. Summarize and discuss the relationship between justice and mercy.
2. Consider the discussion of the Jewish characters in Christian society.
3. Evaluate the use of romance and business as co-existing motifs.
Module 9: Measure for Measure
1. Examine the use of the law in controlling and regulating human sexual behaviour.
2. Explore the influence of power and personality in the performance of political duty.
3. Consider the character of the duke in his actions and the intent of his proposal at the end of the
play to Isabella.
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ENGLISH 224.3 – Shakespeare Comedy and History
Acknowledgements
Class Author
Barry Popowich, PhD. University of Saskatchewan
Instructional Design and Class Development
Kristine Dreaver-Charles, B.Ed., M.Sc.Ed., (Instructional Designer, Centre for Continuing &
Distance Education, University of Saskatchewan)
Page 10 of 10