MONASH UNIVERSITY FACULTY HANDBOOKS

Arts Undergraduate Handbook 1996

Authorised by Academic Registrar, April 1996

ENH4700

Drama of the age of Shakespeare

P Ayres

Synopsis This subject covers Shakespeare's plays in their various categories, as well as plays by the most outstanding of his contemporaries. Each work is studied in its theatrical, political and philosophical contexts, and in many seminars individual scenes in historically important productions will be watched on video (eg the lead up to the murder of Duncan in Macbeth as directed by Polanski, Kurosawa and the RSC). Shakespeare's varying reception across the centuries will be considered, and some attention will be given to transformations of Shakespeare into other media (eg into grand opera: Verdi, Otello, on film).

Assessment Two seminar papers (1300 words): 15% each + Essay (2500 words): 30% + Essay (3500 words): 40%

Prescribed texts

• Jonson B Volpone Benn
• Marlowe C Doctor Faustus Benn
• Middleton T and Rowley W The Changeling Benn
• Shakespeare W Othello Signet
• Shakespeare W Macbeth Signet
• Shakespeare W Lear Signet
• Shakespeare W Julius Caesar Signet
• Shakespeare W Antony and Cleopatra Signet
• Shakespeare W Richard III Signet
• Shakespeare W Henry V Signet
• Shakespeare The Winter's Tale Signet
• Tourneur C The Revenger's Tragedy Benn
• Webster J The Duchess of Malfi Benn