Undergraduate - UnitATS2492 - Shakespeare: Interpretations and Transmutations

This unit entry is for students who completed this unit in 2014 only. For students planning to study the unit, please refer to the unit indexes in the the current edition of the Handbook. If you have any queries contact the managing faculty for your course or area of study.

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6 points, SCA Band 1, 0.125 EFTSL

Refer to the specific census and withdrawal dates for the semester(s) in which this unit is offered, or view unit timetables.

Level	Undergraduate
Faculty	Faculty of Arts
Offered	Clayton Second semester 2014 (Day)
Coordinator(s)	Dr Peter Groves

Notes

Previously coded ENH2230

Synopsis

This unit explores a range of Shakespeare's plays, focussing on various interpretations which have been applied to or imposed upon them by critics and directors over the years, and how these reflect changing times and fashions as well as political and cultural biases. In addition, consideration will be given to the ways in which Shakespeare's texts have been adapted to the spirit of the times - re-writings of scenes and endings for eighteenth-century productions, for example - and assimilated into other cultural forms, such as film.

Outcomes

Students successfully completing the unit, should have developed:

Familiarity with a broad range of Shakespeare's plays;
Competence in the interpretation of Early Modern poetic language;
A broad acquaintance with the historical reception and adaptation of Shakespeare's plays;
An awareness of the ways in which the rhythms of Shakespeare's verse create and re-inforce meaning for his audiences (and readers) and suggest stage-directions for his actors.

Assessment

Written work: 60%
Test (1-hour): 30%
Participation: 10%

Chief examiner(s)

Dr Peter Groves

Workload requirements

22 hours per semester

This unit applies to the following area(s) of study

Literary studies

Prerequisites

A gateway unit in Literary Studies or by permission.

Prohibitions

ATS3492