Course details

Name: ENGL - 510

Title: SHAKESPEARE THE HISTORIES

Section: 01

Semester: Spring - 2019

Credits: 3

Description:
Shakespeare’s History plays reflect the Elizabethan age as a time as politically and socially unstable, as dangerous and unpredictable, and as uncertain of leadership as our own. As such, they provide models and warnings for negotiating life in times like these. As literary/dramatic works, they blend the dramatic genres of comedy (Falstaff, Mistress Quickly), and tragedy (Richard II, Richard III, Joan of Arc); as theater, they provide compelling dramatizations of the dilemmas and dangers that affect everyone from commoners to kings, queens, and wannabes that are never limited only to one particular historical period. Though he didn’t quite invent this genre, he certainly perfected it as the best dramatic showcase for England’s own national interests. They speak urgently to our own time as well about risk and survival when power and nationhood—as well as “honor” and honesty—are at stake. Our own moment, domestically and internationally, seems to call for a renewed engagement with these academically neglected plays. In this course, we will read and discuss all 10 history plays from King John (who reigned when Robin Hood ran, and signed the infamous Magna Carta in 1215) to Henry VIII (who…well, you know), and consider them in the light of contesting and contradictory English political and religious doctrines, the questions that worried ordinary people as well as monarchs and political spin-mongers, and the real-world contexts in which Shakespeare wrote his more familiar comedies and tragedies. Shakespeare brings his nation’s back-story to life in these plays. Students who know the comedies and tragedies will read those familiar plays with new perspective. Students will write bi-weekly mini-papers, and one 15-20 page researched term project of their own (proposed and, as necessary, revised and supported) design. NOTE: THIS COURSE IS APPROPRIATE FOR GRADUATE STUDENTS AND FOR SENIORS ENROLLED IN THE ENGLISH DUAL DEGREE (BA/MA OR BA/MAT) PROGRAMS. OTHERS SHOULD CONSULT WITH DR. LIEBLER BEFORE REGISTERING INTO IT.

Last updated on 2018-10-14 By Liebler Naomi (lieblern)

Schedule: Wednesday From 5:30 pm To 8:00 pm

Graduation requirements:

  • ()
  • Any Literature (1e)
  • Genre Study (Drama)
  • Shakespeare (TE 1a)
  • Pre-1700 (1a)
  • Pre-1800 (1b)
  • Pre-1900 (1c)
  • Women and Gender Studies (3c)
  • Class Issues (3d)
  • Pre-1800 British (TE 1b)
  • Graduate (BA/MA)

Teaching Faculty: Liebler Naomi (lieblern)

Is course canceled: No