ENGL 230-01, Shakespeare's Major Plays, Fall 2002

Abstract

Shakespeare occupies a position at the center of our literary culture, yet many mysteries surround the man and his work. As we all know, Shakespeare is sometimes suspected of not writing his own plays. Scholars disagree about whether he sought fame, literary excellence, or financial reward, about whether he sought to criticize or to enthrone established society, about whether he declined in skill as he grew older or reached new heights of power, and about many other issues. The greatest mystery of all is Shakespeare’s continued relevancy after 400 years, and the question of how an old author is continually made new will be our chief object of inquiry. The course aims to develop your knowledge of Shakespearean drama and to increase your skills in critical analysis, discussion, and writing.