ENGH 323: Studies in Shakespeare

ENGH 323-001: Shakespeare's Histories
(Fall 2015)

01:30 PM to 02:45 PM MW

Krug Hall 204

Section Information for Fall 2015

ENGH 323 - 001: Shakespeare's Histories

This is a team-taught course taught by Prof. Robert Matz from English and Prof. Mack Holt from History . It can be taken for either History or English credit, so please make sure you register with the proper CRN. The course will focus on the period of the fifteenth century in England ca. 1399-1485, and specifically on the history plays Shakespeare wrote that are set in that period during the Hundred Years’ War and the War of the Roses: Richard II , Henry IV parts 1 and 2 and Henry V.  We'll also explore Shakespeare's history play about the time closest to his own: Henry VIII.

We'll ask: Was Shakespeare a Tudor propagandist?  Was there a coherent Tudor worldview for him to transmit? Did he view history as providential in design? Do Shakespeare’s plays offer moral lessons in the manner of earlier mystery play, or do they have a Machiavellian view of power? Do they offer a critique or a defense of absolutist monarchy? How different is narrative history from dramatized history? What happens when fictional characters are mixed in with historical ones? How does the production and reception of these plays in different historical contexts change their meaning—and why? How do Shakespeare’s history plays—considered as texts and performances—connect the past of fifteenth and sixteenth century England to the present? In an attempt to answers these questions we will read a selection of Shakespeare’s history plays, historical accounts of late medieval English history, and see selected scenes drawn from films.  Grading will be based on quizzes, some short essays, and a mid-term and final exam.

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Course Information from the University Catalog

Credits: 3

Explores the works of English poet and playwright William Shakespeare. Studies select aspects of Shakespeare’s writing or critical issues surrounding it. May be repeated within the degree for a maximum 9 credits.
Specialized Designation: Topic Varies
Recommended Prerequisite: Satisfaction of University requirements 100-level English and in Mason Core literature.
Schedule Type: Lecture
Grading:
This course is graded on the Undergraduate Regular scale.

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