LIT304: Shakespeare
Key details
| Accredited towards | Bachelor of Arts in the Liberal Arts |
| Unit type | Elective unit |
| Credit points | 6 |
| Indicative contact hours | 3 hours per week |
| Prerequisites | None |
| Offered in | Semester 2 |
| Tuition fee | Learn more |
Overview
The unit presents an overview of the life and canon of William Shakespeare, exploring a representative selection of work from across the span of his career. Concentrating upon six of his most celebrated works – Richard II, Romeo & Juliet, Julius Caesar, Twelfth Night, King Lear and The Tempest – this unit will explore the several major movements in Shakespeare’s artistic output, including his historical, comic, tragic and romantic periods. Emphasis will be placed upon performing close readings of these texts in order to appreciate Shakespeare’s achievements as a poet and dramatist, and to examine the manner in which his works both are shaped by and transcend his age.
Learning outcomes
The unit learning objectives develop in students an awareness of the value and relevance of the study strand. On completion of this unit of study, students will be able to:
- explore seminal examples of Shakespeare’s plays;
- provide a critical analysis by identifying and describing, where appropriate, the inter-relationship between chosen texts and their social, religious and political milieu;
- identify common themes that characterise these works and appraise their representation in chosen texts;
- undertake original research, thoughtfully evaluate material and apply to new challenges;
- summarise information and communicate in a persuasive, logical and coherent manner;
- competently present clear written expression, logical essay structure and appropriate use of referencing and bibliography to comply with the strict conventions of academic writing;
- work constructively in a group and actively participate in tutorial events by undertaking required readings and contributing with clarity and coherence.
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LIT304: Shakespeare