Rita Jones-Hyde
MWF 12:00-12:50
Office 01H Petty Tele: 334-3294
Office Hours: M 10-12, F 11-12, & by appointment
Email: rljones3@uncg.edu
Introduction to Shakespeare: A donkey, a storm, a prince, a set of twins, a woman, and a bit about a dog
Welcome to English 109! This course introduces you to the wonder, beauty, and pleasure of Shakespeare’s plays. Throughout the semester, we will read plays from the major genres (comedy, tragedy, history, and romance) as well as engaging in Shakespeare’s sonnets. In addition, we will study Renaissance stage practices and language. Through lectures, readings, performances, and discussions, you will not only begin to understand and enjoy Shakespeare’s writings, but you will also learn reasoning skills. At the end of this course, you will be able to understand the basic components of drama, identify the relevance of the characters and structure of each play, critically evaluate and create dramatic performances, and discuss the challenges and issues of each play. Furthermore, the critical reading skills you learn in this class will help you discuss literature in other courses. I also hope that you find enjoyment in each play that we read.
Texts:
A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Pelican)
Henry V (Pelican)
The Tempest (Pelican)
Twelfth Night (Pelican)
Othello (Pelican)
Sonnets (Pelican)
Grading and Late Work:
No late projects, papers, or reading assignments will be taken!
30% Final Exam
30% Performances (2) and Responses (2)
20% Quizzes
20% Participation (scene analyses)
Quizzes:
There will be a quiz on the first day of reading for each play. The quiz will
cover the entire play and is intended to see that you read carefully. The
quiz consists of five questions worth two points each and a bonus question
also worth two points.
Performances and Responses:
Throughout the semester, you will work with a group of students as an acting
troupe. At midterm and the last week of classes, your acting troupe will
be responsible for a scene in a play we have discussed. The performance handout
contains all the requirements for the acting troupes. A formal response paper
evaluating your group’s performance as well as another troupe’s
presentation will accompany the two acting dates.
Participation:
Besides participating in daily discussions, you will also be asked to occasionally
write a scene analysis. Each scene analysis is approximately one page and
is intended to enhance your understanding of the day’s reading. The
scene analysis handout explains all the requirements for this task.
You are also strongly encouraged to attend the North Carolina Shakespeare Festival. This year the festival features two plays we are reading: Othello and Twelfth Night. Watching the performances will help you with your acting troupes.
Final Exam:
Your final exam will consist of identifications and an essay. We will have
a review day and your essay questions will be given to you in advance.
Attendance: Your attendance is expected. Missing more than three classes will affect your grade. You are allowed six absences before you are dropped from the course. You will be held accountable for all homework and reading missed for each absence.
Plagiarism:
Any type, form, or method of plagiarism will not be tolerated in this class.
It’s not worth it, so don’t do it! For definitions and punishments
see the Student Academic Handbook.
Students with Disabilities:
If you have a disability that could affect your performance in this course
or for which you need accommodations, please contact me and/or the office
of Disability Services at 334-5400.
Writing Center:
The Writing Center provides feedback and help with all stages of the writing
process. I strongly encourage you to use the Writing Center for your responses.
The Writing Center is located in 101 McIver. You can just drop in or call
334-325 for an appointment.
Speaking Center:
Much like the Writing Center, the Speaking Center provides help and feedback
during all stages of the speaking process. In addition, they use videotaping
and individual counselors to enhance your performances. I will give acting
troupes bonus points for using the Speaking Center. The Speaking Center is
located in 22 McIver. Since the Speaking Center does not take walk-ins, call
256-1346 for an appointment.
Aug. 16 Weekly Schedule
(subject to change)
Introductions
Aug. 18 Intro. to Shakespeare’s Language and Theater
Aug. 20 Intro. to Shakespeare’s Language and Theater
Aug. 23 A Midsummer Night’s Dream—Quiz
Aug. 25 A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Aug. 27 A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Aug. 30 A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Sept. 1 A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Sept. 3 A Midsummer Night’s Dream—Acting Troupe
Sept. 6 No Class
Sept. 8 A Midsummer Night’s Dream—Movie
Sept. 10 A Midsummer Night’s Dream—Movie
Sept. 13 A Midsummer Night’s Dream—Movie
Sept. 15 Henry V
Sept. 17 Henry V
Sept. 20 Henry V
Sept. 22 Henry V
Sept. 24 Henry V
Sept. 27 Henry V
Sept. 29 Acting Troupes Practice
Oct. 1 Acting Troupes
Oct. 4 Acting Troupes
Oct. 6 Twelfth Night
Oct. 8 Twelfth Night—Quiz
Oct. 11 No Class—Fall Break
Oct. 13 Twelfth Night
Oct. 15 Twelfth Night
Oct. 18 Twelfth Night
Oct. 20 Twelfth Night
Oct. 22 Othello—Quiz
Oct. 25 Othello
Oct. 27 Othello
Oct. 29 Othello
Nov. 1 Othello
Nov. 3 Othello
Nov. 5 Sonnets
Nov. 8 The Tempest—Quiz
Nov. 10 The Tempest
Nov. 12 The Tempest
Nov. 15 The Tempest
Nov. 17 The Tempest
Nov. 19 The Tempest—Acting Troupes
Nov. 22 Sonnets
Nov. 24th & 26th No Class--Thanksgiving Break
Nov. 29 Acting Troupes—practice
Dec. 1 Acting Troupes
Dec. 3 Acting Troupes
Dec. 6 Final Exam Review
Friday December 10th Final Exam
12-3:00