Common Course Outline

Course discipline/number/title ENGL 2255: Introduction to Shakespeare: Screen, Stage, and Page

Catalog Description

Credits 3
Hours/Week 3 (3 lecture)
Prerequisites (Course discipline/number) None
Other requirements None
MnTC Goals (if any) Goal 6/The Humanities-the Arts, Literature, and Philosophy, Goal 8/Global Perspectives
Cross-listed with HUM 2255

Course Description

In this course, students will read, watch, discuss, and analyze some of Shakespeare's major works, such as comedies, histories, tragedies, romances, and poetry. The course will deal with the historical Elizabethan context in which these works were created and the impact that these works have had on later plays, films, poetry, and popular culture. This course will also emphasize the aesthetic value of Shakespeare's work and how this value creates a continuing influence in literature, drama, and cinema. College level reading and writing skills recommended.

Date Last Revised (Month, year)

April, 2018

Outline of Major Content Areas

  1. Shakespeare's dramatic conventions
  2. Elizabethan drama and dramatic conventions
  3. Criticism of Shakespeare's works
  4. Shakespeare's plays and poetry
  5. Shakespeare's influence on popular culture
  6. Productions of Shakespeare's plays
  7. Shakespeare in film

Learning Outcomes (General)

The student will be able to:

  1. Understand and appreciate some of Shakespeare's major works and how they fit within their historical and international context.
  2. Translate Elizabethan/Shakespearean language, drama, and dramatic conventions.
  3. Recognize the insights into the global human condition created by Shakespeare's works.
  4. Engage with and interpret international Shakespearean criticism from diverse critical perspectives.
  5. Appreciate staged and filmed versions of Shakespeare's works from a variety of culturally diverse production sites.

Learning Outcomes (MnTC)

Goal 6

The student will be able to:

  1. Demonstrate awareness of the scope and variety of works in the arts and humanities.
  2. Understand those works as expressions of individual and human values within a historical and social context.
  3. Respond critically to works in the arts and humanities.
  4. Articulate an informed personal reaction to works in the arts and humanities.
Goal 8

The student will be able to:

  1. Describe and analyze political, economic, and cultural elements, which influence relations of states and societies in their historical and contemporary dimensions.
  2. Demonstrate knowledge of cultural, social, religious and linguistic differences.
  3. Analyze specific international problems, illustrating the cultural, economic, and political differences that affect their solution.

Methods for Evaluation of Student Learning

Methods may include but are not limited to:

RCTC Core Outcome(s)

This course contributes to meeting the following RCTC Core Outcome(s):

Global Awareness and Diversity
Students will demonstrate an understanding of and respect for human diversity through their words and actions.

Special Information (if any)

None