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JOHN CABOT UNIVERSITY

COURSE CODE: "EN 245"
COURSE NAME: "Shakespeare"
SEMESTER & YEAR: Fall Semester 2012
SYLLABUS

INSTRUCTOR: Grego Alessandra
EMAIL: [email protected]
HOURS: MW 8:30-9:45
TOTAL NO. OF CONTACT HOURS: 45
CREDITS: 3
PREREQUISITES: Prerequisite: EN 110 with a grade of C or above
OFFICE HOURS: by appointment

COURSE DESCRIPTION:
The course is conceived as a general introduction to Shakespeare's theatre trough the study of four plays. We will be focusing on the theme of the individual in society, analysing how Shakespeare deals with this theme in four aparently very differnt plays, a comedy (Twelfth Night) and three tragedies (Romeo and Juliet, Hamlet, Othello)

SUMMARY OF COURSE CONTENT:
Each play will be presented in a general lecture introducing the students to the particular significance of the text under discussion, its relation to contemporary events and its critical interpretation. Following this introduction each student will chose one character in the play and study his/her development throughout the acts, presenting to the class in oral presentations.
LEARNING OUTCOMES:
Students will exit the class with a good general knowledge of where Shakespeare stands in English Literature, and how he has kept that pre-eminent position through the centuries. They will be familiar with the distinction between comedy, history, tragedy and romance, understand the basics of dramatic compositions and will have practiced their ability to analyze a character and communicate their analysis in presentations and papers.
TEXTBOOK:
Book TitleAuthorPublisherISBN numberLibrary Call NumberCommentsFormatLocal BookstoreOnline Purchase
Romeo and Juliet ShakespeareShakespeareArden, Second Series978-1903436417      
Othello Shakespeare Arden, Third Series 978-1903436455     
Hamlet ShakespeareArden, Third series978-1904271338      
Twelfth NightShakespeareArden, third series978-1-90343-699-8     
REQUIRED RESERVED READING:
NONE

RECOMMENDED RESERVED READING:
NONE
GRADING POLICY
-ASSESSMENT METHODS:
AssignmentGuidelinesWeight
Presentations<p><span>Brief oral presentations designed to show how the characters change and develop throughout the plays. Each Student will present at least twice throughout the course and is required to contribute to the class discussion following the presentations.</span></p>30%
2 Home papers<p><span>Two home papers (8 pages excluding works cited page). The first of the home papers will focus on the role of character in the plays and the second will focus on theme of individual and society<br /> </span></p>50%
class participation<span>Students are required to take active part in the class discussions, keeping up with the assigned reading and reacting to other student's presentations. Silent attendance does not contribute to this portion of the grade.</span>20%

-ASSESSMENT CRITERIA:

      Assessment Guidelines for assigning main letter grades: A, B, C,D, and

      F.

A:  Work of this quality directly addresses the question or problem raised and provides a coherent argument displaying an extensive knowledge of relevant information or content. This type of work demonstrates the ability to critically evaluate concepts and theory and has an element of novelty and originality. There is clear evidence of a significant amount of reading beyond that required for the course.

B:  This is highly competent level of performance and directly addresses the question or problem raised. There is a demonstration of some ability to critically evaluate theory and concepts and relate them to practice. Discussions reflect the student’s own arguments and are not simply a repetition of standard lecture and reference material. The work does not suffer from any major errors or omissions and provides evidence of reading beyond the required assignments

C:  This is an acceptable level of performance and provides answers that are clear but limited, reflecting the information offered in the lectures and reference readings

D:  This level of performances demonstrates that the student lacks a coherent grasp of the material. Important information is omitted and irrelevant points included. In effect, the student has barely done enough to persuade the instructor that s/he should not fail

F: This work fails to show any knowledge or understanding of the issues raised in the question. Most of the material in the answer is irrelevant.


-ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS:
      Attendance is mandatory. Students are expected to be in class before the reading of the roster.
More than 4 absences may result in a lowering of the final grade and 7 absences may result in a failing grade. Tardiness is equally unacceptable as it disturbs the lesson. If you enter the class after attendance has been taken you late arrival will be registered and 4 late arrivals will count as equivalent to one absence. Silent attendance is not sufficient: students are required to actively participate in class, to have their text books with them and to turn off electrical devices (computers, mobiles etc.). Students are also expected to remain in the class for the duration of the period.
ACADEMIC HONESTY
As stated in the university catalog, any student who commits an act of academic dishonesty will receive a failing grade on the work in which the dishonesty occurred. In addition, acts of academic dishonesty, irrespective of the weight of the assignment, may result in the student receiving a failing grade in the course. Instances of academic dishonesty will be reported to the Dean of Academic Affairs. A student who is reported twice for academic dishonesty is subject to summary dismissal from the University. In such a case, the Academic Council will then make a recommendation to the President, who will make the final decision.
STUDENTS WITH LEARNING OR OTHER DISABILITIES
John Cabot University does not discriminate on the basis of disability or handicap. Students with approved accommodations must inform their professors at the beginning of the term. Please see the website for the complete policy.

SCHEDULE

SessionSession FocusReading AssignmentOther AssignmentMeeting Place/Exam Dates
Week 1 (3-5 September)Introduction to the courseStart Reading Twelfth Night  
Week 2 (10-12 September)Twelfth Night General IntroductionTwelfht Night Acts I - III  
Week 3 (17-19 September)Twelfht NightTwelfth Night Acts III to VMonday 17 September, Presentations Acts I to III 
Week 4 (24-26 September)Twelfth Night Start Reading Romeo and JulietMonday 24 September, Presentations Acts III to V 
Week 5 (1-3 October)Romeo and Juliet General IntroductionRomeo and Juliet Acts I to III  
Week 6 (8-10 Octorber)Romeo and Juliet Acts I to IIIRomeo and Juliet Acts Iv and VMonday 10 October, Presentations Acts I to III 
Week 7 (15-17 October)Romeo and Juliet Acts III to VRomeo and Juliet Acts IV and VMonday 15 October, Presentations Acts III to V 1st Home Paper Due on Wednesday October 17 
Week 8 (22-24 October)Hamlet General IntroductionHamlet Acts I to III  
Week 9 (29-31 October)Hamlet Acts I to IIIHamlet Acts I to IIIMonday 29 october Presentations Acts I to III 
Week 10 (5-7 November)Hamlet Acts III to VHamlet Acts III to VMonday 5 November presentations acts IV and V 
Week 11 (12-14 November)Othello general IntroductionOthello Acts I to III  
Week 12 (19-21 November)Othello Acts IV and VOthello Acts IV to VMonday 19 November, presentations Acts I to III 
Week 13 (26-28 November)Othello Acts III to V Monday 25 November Presentations Acts III to V 
Week 14 (3-5 December)Final considerations 2nd Home Paper due