Simon Fraser University
Engaging the World

Course Outlines

Spring 2022 - ENGL 312 D100

Shakespeare and the Stage: 1570-1642 (4)

Class Number: 5134

Delivery Method: In Person

Overview

  • Course Times + Location:

    Jan 10 – Apr 11, 2022: Tue, Thu, 10:30 a.m.–12:20 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Exam Times + Location:

    Apr 19, 2022
    Tue, 12:00–3:00 p.m.
    Burnaby

  • Prerequisites:

    30 units or two 200 division English courses.

Description

CALENDAR DESCRIPTION:

Study of the dramatic works of William Shakespeare and other early modern English authors. This course may be repeated for credit if a different topic is taught.

COURSE DETAILS:

INFORMATION THEATRE

Shakespeare is obsessed with messages: letters, notes, signals, embassys, and all other forms of remote communications. In many ways, he is putting on the stage a kind of information theory -- three hundred years before anything we might recognize as information technology. In this course, we will try to understand why. (We will also just have a lot of fun, and learn a lot about the early modern period, by reading and discussing some awesome plays.)

COURSE-LEVEL EDUCATIONAL GOALS:

See above.

Grading

  • Short Writing Assignment 15%
  • Creative (or other) Project or Presentation 15%
  • Term Paper (8-10 pages) 35%
  • Final Exam 35%

NOTES:

Expectations for the final exam will be made clear well in advance. You will know exactly what you need to know in order to do well on the exam. The creative (or other) project is wide-open; we will discuss this. As for the written assignments, our emphasis will be on ideas and argument, not bibliography or busywork.

Materials

MATERIALS + SUPPLIES:

Six plays, all from the Oxford Shakespeare series. For ISBNs, etc., please see the SFU Bookstore entry for this course.

REQUIRED READING:

Romeo and Juliet.

Much Ado about Nothing.

Hamlet.

Twelfth Night.

King Lear.

Anthony and Cleopatra.

Department Undergraduate Notes:

IMPORTANT NOTE Re 300 and 400 level courses: 75% of spaces in 300 level English courses, and 100% of spaces in 400 level English courses, are reserved for declared English Major, Minor, Extended Minor, Joint Major, and Honours students only, until open enrollment begins.

For all On-Campus Courses, please note the following:
- To receive credit for the course, students must complete all requirements.
- Tutorials/Seminars WILL be held the first week of classes.
- When choosing your schedule, remember to check "Show lab/tutorial sections" to see all Lecture/Seminar/Tutorial times required.

Registrar Notes:

ACADEMIC INTEGRITY: YOUR WORK, YOUR SUCCESS

SFU’s Academic Integrity web site http://www.sfu.ca/students/academicintegrity.html is filled with information on what is meant by academic dishonesty, where you can find resources to help with your studies and the consequences of cheating.  Check out the site for more information and videos that help explain the issues in plain English.

Each student is responsible for his or her conduct as it affects the University community.  Academic dishonesty, in whatever form, is ultimately destructive of the values of the University. Furthermore, it is unfair and discouraging to the majority of students who pursue their studies honestly. Scholarly integrity is required of all members of the University. http://www.sfu.ca/policies/gazette/student/s10-01.html

TEACHING AT SFU IN SPRING 2022

Teaching at SFU in spring 2022 will involve primarily in-person instruction, with safety plans in place.  Some courses will still be offered through remote methods, and if so, this will be clearly identified in the schedule of classes.  You will also know at enrollment whether remote course components will be “live” (synchronous) or at your own pace (asynchronous).

Enrolling in a course acknowledges that you are able to attend in whatever format is required.  You should not enroll in a course that is in-person if you are not able to return to campus, and should be aware that remote study may entail different modes of learning, interaction with your instructor, and ways of getting feedback on your work than may be the case for in-person classes.

Students with hidden or visible disabilities who may need class or exam accommodations, including in the context of remote learning, are advised to register with the SFU Centre for Accessible Learning (caladmin@sfu.ca or 778-782-3112) as early as possible in order to prepare for the spring 2022 term.