Shakespeare in Performance (ENGL20033)

Undergraduate level 2Points: 12.5On Campus (Parkville)

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Overview

Availability
Semester 1
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This subject investigates the adaptation of Shakespeare’s drama from page to stage and beyond. It will introduce Shakespeare in historical and contemporary eras, in western and non-western sites of criticism and performance, including avant-garde and postmodern contexts for Shakespeare and Shakespearean adaptation in film and television. The subject will examine Shakespeare’s canon and key literary perspectives, including discussion of Shakespeare’s plays in relation to issues of cultural politics and power.

Intended learning outcomes

On successful completion of this subject, students should have:

  • The ability to demonstrate a detailed knowledge and critical understanding of Shakespeare's work as literature and in performance
  • Gained a broad understanding of the importance of Shakespeare in historical, modern and contemporary contexts
  • Developed critical perspectives that enable them to critique intercultural contexts for Shakespeare and examine Shakespeare's plays in relation to society and cultural politics
  • Demonstrate a detailed knowledge of the concepts and principles of adaptation and performance studies approaches to understanding Shakespeare's plays in experimental theatre and in film and television
  • The ability to communicate effectively in a variety of oral and written formats, including creative interpretations of Shakespeare's work.

Generic skills

At the completion of this subject, students should gain the following generic skills:

  • The ability to communicate knowledge in oral, written and creative forms
  • The ability to manage their time through productive use of time and responding to deadlines
  • The ability to think and work creatively and apply imagination in responding to tasks
  • The ability to think critically and analyse through recommended reading, performance analysis and discussion.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Eligibility and requirements

Prerequisites

None

Corequisites

None

Non-allowed subjects

THTR20021 Shakespeare in Performance

Inherent requirements (core participation requirements)

The University of Melbourne is committed to providing students with reasonable adjustments to assessment and participation under the Disability Standards for Education (2005), and the Assessment and Results Policy (MPF1326). Students are expected to meet the core participation requirements for their course. These can be viewed under Entry and Participation Requirements for the course outlines in the Handbook.

Further details on how to seek academic adjustments can be found on the Student Equity and Disability Support website: http://services.unimelb.edu.au/student-equity/home

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Assessment

DescriptionTimingPercentage

An essay

  • 1000 words
Mid semester30%

One in-class small group exercise on performing Shakespeare, presented in seminars and written-up

  • 1000 words (equivalent)
During the teaching period20%

An essay

  • 2000 words
During the examination period50%
Hurdle requirement: Attendance hurdle requirement: This subject has a minimum requirement of 80% attendance at tutorials, seminars, or workshops. There is an expectation that students attend lectures. Throughout the teaching periodN/A
Hurdle requirement: Late Penalty and Assessment hurdle requirement: Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at five per cent (5%) of the possible marks available for the assessment task per day or part thereof. All pieces of assessment must be submitted to pass the subject. Each submitted assessment must be complete, constitute a genuine attempt to address the requirements of the task and will not be accepted after 20 University business days from the original assessment due date without written approval. Throughout the semesterN/A

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Dates & times

  • Semester 1
    CoordinatorJonathan McCoy
    Mode of deliveryOn Campus (Parkville)
    Contact hoursTotal 36 hours: A two hour seminar and one hour of online lectures per week.
    Total time commitment170 hours
    Teaching period 3 March 2025 to 1 June 2025
    Last self-enrol date14 March 2025
    Census date31 March 2025
    Last date to withdraw without fail 9 May 2025
    Assessment period ends27 June 2025

    Semester 1 contact information

    mccoy.j@unimelb.edu.au

Time commitment details

170 hours

What do these dates mean

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  • Your tuition fees, academic transcript and statements.
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       -  Student Learning Entitlement. This applies to all students enrolled in a Commonwealth Supported Place (CSP).
     

    Subjects withdrawn after the census date (including up to the ‘last day to withdraw without fail’) count toward the Student Learning Entitlement.

Last updated: 14 March 2025

Further information

Last updated: 14 March 2025