LIT 231 - Introduction to Shakespeare

1. Describe major elements of the sonnets.
2. Discuss major aspects of the comedies as applied to interpretation and staging.
3. Discuss major aspects of the histories as applied to interpretation and staging.
4. Discuss major aspects of the tragedies as applied to interpretation and staging.

1. Sonnets
   1. Techniques and themes
   2. Cultural influences on interpretation
2. Comedies
   1. Important techniques and themes
   2. Important characters and distinctive speeches
   3. Relation of a play to its sources
   4. How the elements of work contribute to the total effect
   5. Significance of various approaches to staging
   6. Differing cultural perspectives on interpretation
3. Histories
   1. Important techniques and themes
   2. Important characters and distinctive speeches
   3. Relation of a play to its sources
   4. How the elements of work contribute to the total effect
   5. Significance of various approaches to staging
   6. Differing cultural perspectives on interpretation
4. Tragedies
   1. Important techniques and themes
   2. Important characters and distinctive speeches
   3. Relation of a play to its sources
   4. How the elements of work contribute to the total effect
   5. Significance of various approaches to staging
   6. Differing cultural perspectives on interpretation
5. Writing
   1. Analysis of possible staging of the plays
   2. Interpretation of works
   3. Development of valid concepts and applications
   4. Minimum writing of 2500 words