Final Examination: Saturday, 15 December, 8-11 a.m., 100 Genetics and Plant Biology
Compose an essay in which you analyze a passage no more than 20 lines
in length.
Your passage may be taken from any play from Hamlet or later
(see reading-list below).
King Lear, because it is a late play, is also allowed.
This passage should illustrate or be connected to a major
theme discussed in lecture, for example Mercy vs Justice or
Self-Referentiality (i.e., theatrical references).
Your analysis must involve a "close reading" in which you discuss
distinctive metaphors, similies, or other poetic devices.
Maximum 1000 words.
Do not write on any play which you analyzed in a previous paper.
Compose an essay in which you argue in utramque partem (that is, on each side of the question) on any character or any plot-circumstance in any play which we have read so far this semester subsequent to Richard III. Identify a character, sentiment, or situation which can be interpreted in two opposite ways. (Example 1: Hal is a "good king" in the making when he consorts with Falstaff and company; Hal is a "bad king" in the making when he consorts with Falstaff and company. Example 2: Shylock is an entire villain; Shylock is not an entire villain. Example 3: Hamlet knows that the King and Polonius are hiding behind the arras; Hamlet does not know that the King and Polonius are hiding behind the arras.) Make as strong a case as you can for each position or point of view. Finish by either 1) attempting to reconcile the two points of view; or 2) arguing for the validity of one point of view over the other; or 3) arguing that the two points of view are equally cogent but irreconcilable.
Please check with your Reader in advance if you have any questions, or to clear a topic of which you have doubts. In fairness to the reader, papers may not be longer than 4 pages (or 1000 words).
Papers should be handed in if possible in class; however, they may be placed under the instructor's office door (421 Wheeler) at any time before 4:00 p.m. on the date due. DO NOT miss class for the sake of completing your paper.
First Paper (due Thursday, 27 September)
Choose a Shakespeare Sonnet, or a "literary" passage in LLL or MSND. Find that passage in the earliest edition(s), and make a printout (or printouts). Transcribe that passage from the earliest edition, and edit it as you think fit.
Compose a brief essay - no more than 1000 words - in which you
- Compare your edited version to the original,
and to text as given in Bevington (or any other modern edition).
- Analyze the passage for its distinctive metrical
and/or literary qualities.
- Explain the essential purpose of the passage, e.g., to set a mood?
to establish character? to advance the plot? as sheer entertainment?
some combination of these?
- Discuss any editorial problems which impinge on any aspect of your analysis.
Conclude with a summary paragraph.
Hand in your paper with all items stapled to the back, i.e., photograph(s) of original(s), your edition, passage in Bevington, etc.
English 117S SHAKESPEARE Fall 2007 Mr. Nelson 159 Mulford Hall Class website: socrates.berkeley.edu/~ahnelson TuTh 9:30-11:00 Week 1 Tu Aug 28 Introduction: History (timelines), Life, Works Th 30 Quartos and folios; songs and sonnets Week 2 (Instructor for this week only: Professor Altman) Tu Sep 04 Sonnets: 1, 3, 5, 10, 15-23, 29-31, 33-6, 40-2 Th 06 76, 78, 80, 84, 86-7, 92-4, 109-11, 126-7, 129-31, 133-5, 144, 147, 150. Week 3 Tu 11 Love's Labors Lost Th 13 Mini-exam 1 Week 4 Tu 18 A Midsummer Night's Dream (Guest lecturer: Prof. Landreth) Th 20 Week 5 Tu 25 Richard III Th 27 First Paper Due Week 6 Tu Oct 02 Henry IV, Part 1 Th 04 Mini-exam 2 Week 7 Tu 09 King Lear We 10 Cal Shakes 8:00 p.m. Th 11 Week 8 Tu 16 Merchant of Venice Th 18 Mini-exam 3 Week 9 Tu 23 Much Ado About Nothing Th 25 Week 10 Tu 30 Hamlet Th Nov 01 Second Paper Due (postponed to 11/06) Week 11 Tu 06 Twelfth Night Second Paper Due (revised deadline) Th 08 Mini-exam 4 Week 12 Tu 13 Measure for Measure Th 15 Week 13 Tu 20 Antony and Cleopatra Th 22 Thanksgiving Holiday Week 14 Tu 27 Antony and Cleopatra Th 29 The Tempest Third Paper Due (deadline postponed) Week 15 Tu Dec 04 CATCH-UP AND REVIEW WEEK Th 06 Third Paper Due Final Examination: Saturday, 15 December, 8-11 a.m., 100 Genetics and Plant Biology
1) You are expected to have read each play to the end before the beginning of class on the Thursday on which that play is discussed.
2) In lieu of a single mid-term examination, four mini-exams (15-20 minutes each) will be given. Each mini-exam will consist of one identification section taken from the reading for that week, plus questions on topics discussed in lecture. Each student must take three and only three mini-exams. No make-up mini-exams except on written medical excuses.
3) You are required to submit a total of four questions in writing concerning plays or poems under discussion - full explanation to be given in lecture.
4) Filmed Shakespeare plays are available in the audio-visual facility in Moffit Library. You are urged to watch plays in cinemas or on VCR, but as a supplement and not as a substitute for reading the texts.
5) You are expected to attend class regularly: attendance will be taken most days. Unexcused absences beyond three will result in a reduction on the final grade by one grade-increment (i.e. from B- to C+) for each such absence.
6) Do not miss class on the day a paper is due: missing class is a graver sin and will incur a harsher penalty than submitting a paper a day late.
7) You are reminded of the Department of English policy regarding plagiarism.
8) Final admonition: You are required to read all plays and poems assigned over the semester. Mini-exams and the final exam will be designed to test whether you have done the required reading. Failure to accomplish the required reading will be grounds for a failing final grade regardless of how well you may do in other aspects of this course.