Shakespeare in Performance

Subject THTR20021 (2015)

Note: This is an archived Handbook entry from 2015.

Credit Points: 12.5
Level: 2 (Undergraduate)
Dates & Locations:

This subject has the following teaching availabilities in 2015:

Semester 2, Parkville - Taught on campus.
Pre-teaching Period Start not applicable
Teaching Period 27-Jul-2015 to 25-Oct-2015
Assessment Period End 20-Nov-2015
Last date to Self-Enrol 07-Aug-2015
Census Date 31-Aug-2015
Last date to Withdraw without fail 25-Sep-2015


Timetable can be viewed here. For information about these dates, click here.
Time Commitment: Contact Hours: A 1.5-hour lecture and a 1-hour tutorial per week.
Total Time Commitment:

Total expected time commitment is 170 hours across the semester, including class time.

Prerequisites:

None

Corequisites:

None

Recommended Background Knowledge:

None

Non Allowed Subjects:

106-251 Shakespeare

Core Participation Requirements:

For the purposes of considering request for Reasonable Adjustments under the disability Standards for Education (Cwth 2005), and Students Experiencing Academic Disadvantage Policy, academic requirements for this subject are articulated in the Subject Description, Subject Objectives, Generic Skills and Assessment Requirements of this entry. The University is dedicated to provide support to those with special requirements. Further details on the disability support scheme can be found at the Disability Liaison Unit website: http://www.services.unimelb.edu.au/disability/

Coordinator

Dr David Mcinnis

Contact

David McInnis
mcinnisd@unimelb.edu.au

Subject Overview:

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.

Learning Outcomes:

On completion of the 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
Assessment:

A 1000 word essay 30% (due mid-semester), one in-class small group exercise on performing Shakespeare, presented in tutorials and written-up equivalent to 1000 words 20% (during the semester), a 2000 essay 50% (due in the examination period). This subject has a minimum hurdle requirement of 80% attendance and regular participation in tutorials. Assessment submitted late without an approved extension will be penalised at 10% per day. In-class tasks missed without approval will not be marked. All pieces of written work must be submitted to pass this subject.

Prescribed Texts:

Oxford Shakespeare editions (preferred) of the following plays:

  • The Taming of the Shrew
  • A Midsummer Night’s Dream
  • Titus Andronicus
  • Hamlet
  • Macbeth
  • The Tempest

A Subject Reader will be available with additional texts, including Heiner Müller, Hamletmachine.

Breadth Options:

This subject potentially can be taken as a breadth subject component for the following courses:

You should visit learn more about breadth subjects and read the breadth requirements for your degree, and should discuss your choice with your student adviser, before deciding on your subjects.

Fees Information: Subject EFTSL, Level, Discipline & Census Date
Generic Skills:

Students who successfully complete this subject will be able to:

  • communicate knowledge in oral, written and creative forms;
  • manage their time through productive use of time and responding to deadlines;
  • think and work creatively and apply imagination in responding to tasks;
  • think critically and analyse through recommended reading, performance analysis and discussion.
Related Course(s): Bachelor of Arts(Media and Communications)
Related Majors/Minors/Specialisations: English and Theatre Studies
English and Theatre Studies
English and Theatre Studies
Related Breadth Track(s): English
Theatre Studies

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