UNIVERSITY OF KENT
MODULE SPECIFICATION
SECTION 1: MODULE SPECIFICATIONS
1.
Title of the module
Shakespeare and Early Modern Drama
2.
School which will be responsible for management of the module
English
3.
Start date of the module
October 2013 (Revised Autumn 2014)
4.
The cohort of students (onwards) to which the module will be applicable
2012-2013
5.
The number of students expected to take the module
c.200
6.
Modules to be withdrawn on the introduction of this proposed module and consultation
with other relevant Schools and Faculties regarding the withdrawal
EN650 Elizabethan drama and EN651 Jacobean drama
7.
Level of the module I
8.
The number of credits which the module represents
30
9.
Which term(s) the module is to be taught in (or other teaching pattern)
Autumn and Spring (running twice)
10. Prerequisite and co-requisite modules
None
11. The programme(s) of study to which the module contributes
Single Honours and Joint Honours Undergraduate Programmes in English and
American Literature, English, American and Postcolonial Literature and English
and American Literature with Creative Writing.
12. The intended subject specific learning outcomes
Students will:
i.
read and analyse critically the works of Shakespeare and his contemporary
dramatists
ii.
read and understand the set texts in relation to their relevant literary,
theatrical, political, cultural and social contexts
iii.
develop a critical understanding of the development of drama in the early
modern period
iv.
Become conversant with current critical approaches to and debates about
the drama and evaluate their appropriateness to their chosen topics
13. The intended generic learning outcomes
Students will:
i.
develop their abilities to analyse theatrical texts critically and make
comparisons across a range of reading
ii.
develop their command of written and spoken English and their abilities to
articulate coherent critical arguments
New module specification approved by Faculty 23/02/12
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
iii.
iv.
v.
understand and interrogate various critical approaches and the theoretical
assumptions that underpin these approaches
develop their abilities to carry out independent research
develop their presentational skills
14. A synopsis of the curriculum
The drama of early modern England broke new literary and dramatic ground. This
module will focus on key plays across the period. It will explore the development of
dramatic writing of, playing companies’ home within the London theatres, its links to court
entertainment and its relationship to the provinces. Dramatic and literary form will be a
central preoccupation alongside issues of characterisation, culture, politics, and gender.
Shakespeare’s work will be put into context in relation to the plays of his contemporary
dramatists.
15. Indicative Reading List
Primary sources:
Arthur Kinney ed., Renaissance Drama, An Anthology of Plays and Entertainments
Second Edition (2004)
Greenblatt, Stephen et al eds., The Norton Shakespeare (1997)
Secondary sources:
Braunmuller, A.R. and Michael Hattaway (eds), The Cambridge Companion to English
Renaissance Drama (sec. ed. 2002)
Briggs, Julia This Stage-play World: Texts and Contexts, 1580-1625 (sec. ed. 1997)
Greenblatt, Stephen Renaissance Self-fashioning, (1980)
Gurr, Andrew Playgoing in Shakespeare’s London (third ed. 2004)
Kinney ed., Companion to Renaissance Drama (2002)
Sullivan, Garret, Patrick Cheney and Andrew Hadfield (eds), Early Modern English Drama:
A Critical Companion (2006)
Wiggins, Martin Shakespeare and the Drama of his Time (2000)
16. Learning and Teaching Methods, including the nature and number of contact hours and
the total study hours which will be expected of students, and how these relate to
achievement of the intended learning outcomes
The module will be taught by ten weekly two-hour seminars and ten hourly ‘lecture’ slots.
While some of them will take the form of a traditional lecture whilst others will be
workshops that engage students with aspects of Shakespeare’s verse and dramaturgy
and with the social and cultural history of the period in which he was writing. Students will
be expected to study for 22 hours per week, 300 hours in total. Seminars will include
opportunities to work in small groups, for students to collaborate on mini-research tasks
and free discussion of texts and issues.
17. Assessment methods and how these relate to testing achievement of the intended
learning outcomes
The module will be assessed by:
Seminar Performance grade (10% of whole module)
First assignment: 2 – 2500 word close reading (20%)
Second assignment: 2500 word essay (20%)
3-hour exam based on research undertaken throughout the year (50%)
New module specification approved by Faculty 23/02/12
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
The learning, teaching and assessment methods relate closely to the intended learning
outcomes A7, A10, B3, B4, C3, C7, D1, D2, D5, D10. They will encourage studentcentred exploration and discussion of primary and secondary materials in both their
assessed work and seminar contributions. Students will develop their writing and ability to
explain their ideas in informal presentations, and will be strongly encouraged to develop
independent research skills.
18. Implications for learning resources, including staff, library, IT and space
The Templeman Library is well supplied with copies of most texts required to support this
course, including some DVDs of the on screen material; the cost of any additional
purchases required will not be unduly expensive.
19. The School/Collaborative Partner (delete as applicable) recognises and has embedded
the expectations of current disability equality legislation, and supports students with a
declared disability or special educational need in its teaching. Within this module we will
make reasonable adjustments wherever necessary, including additional or substitute
materials, teaching modes or assessment methods for students who have declared and
discussed their learning support needs. Arrangements for students with declared
disabilities will be made on an individual basis, in consultation with the
University’s/Collaborative Partner’s (delete as applicable) disability/dyslexia support
service, and specialist support will be provided where needed.
20. Campus(es) where module will be delivered 1
Canterbury
If the module is part of a programme in a Partner College or Validated Institution,
please complete the following:
21. Partner College/Validated Institution
22. University School (for cognate programmes) or Faculty (for non-cognate programmes)
responsible for the programme
SECTION 2: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME OF STUDY IN A UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL
Statement by the School Director of Learning and Teaching/School Director of
Graduate Studies (as appropriate): "I confirm I have been consulted on the above module
proposal and have given advice on the correct procedures and required content of module
proposals"
................................................................
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Director of Learning and Teaching/Director of Graduate
Studies (delete as applicable)
Date
…………………………………………………
Print Name
1
Required for information purposes only. Changes of campus will not require re-approval of the
module specification.
New module specification approved by Faculty 23/02/12
UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Statement by the Head of School: "I confirm that the School has approved the introduction
of the module and, where the module is proposed by School staff, will be responsible for its
resourcing"
.................................................................
..............................................
Head of School
Date
…………………………………………………….
Print Name
SECTION 3: MODULE IS PART OF A PROGRAMME IN A PARTNER COLLEGE OR
VALIDATED INSTITUTION
(Where the module is proposed by a Partner College/Validated Institution)
Statement by the Nominated Officer of the College/Validated Institution (delete as
applicable): "I confirm that the College/Validated Institution (delete as applicable) has
approved the introduction of the module and will be responsible for its resourcing"
.................................................................
Nominated Responsible Officer
College/Validated Institution
of
..............................................
Partner
………………………………………………….
Print Name
…………………………………………………..
Post
………………………………………….
Partner College/Validated Institution
New module specification approved by Faculty 23/02/12
Date