ENGLISH LITERATURE 3

The course, as part of the courses specifically related to the languages taught in the LCSL degree course, enlarges the knowledge of the literary and cultural heritage of Great Britain by focussing on the main characteristics of early modern drama and its social and political context. Students will also become familiar with early modern English and extend their knowledge of the English language.

The course will focus on an in-depth analysis of Shakespeare’s HAMLET and THE MERCHANT OF VENICE and their critical and theatrical afterlife. By attending the course students will enhance their skills in textual analysis and in relating dramatic texts to theatrical practice, as well as to the historical and cultural context.

Advanced skills in reading texts in the English language and understanding lectures in English.

Through an intensive engagement with Shakespeare's HAMLET and THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, this module is intended to provide students with a deeper understanding of the Elizabethan context and the literary culture of the early modern period as well as the main conventions of Elizabethan drama (theatres, acting conventions, language, etc).The history of these plays' criticism and performances from the 1660s to the present day will be examined and students will be encouraged how to develop their own independent critical thinking about Shakespeare’s plays. The course is taught in English and students will be encouraged to participate in class and online discussions.

Jerry Brotton, THE RENAISSANCE. A VERY SHORT INTRODUCTION, Oxford University Press, 2006.
William Shakespeare, HAMLET. Suggested edition: The Arden Shakespeare, edited by Ann Thompson and Neil Taylor, 2006;
William Shakespeare, THE MERCHANT OF VENICE. Suggested edition: The Arden Shakespeare, edited by John Drakakis, 2010;
Additional texts will be made available on Moodle.

Written test, consisting in questions on the literary history of the sixteenth and seventeenth century and Shakespeare in particular and an analysis of a short passage from HAMLET and THE MERCHANT OF VENICE which will have to be discussed and contextualised. IMPORTANT: Students are required to participate in the online activities as part of the course requirements (see "Metodi didattici" below).

This is a BLENDED COURSE, which means that it is completed partly online and partly at the University. The online part is provided through the e-learning platform of the university (Moodle). In a blended course some in-class time is substituted by equally meaningful online activities. The online components are not an addition to a full course load but a (hopefully well-designed and interesting) substitution of some in-class activities. While face-to-face classes will look like a traditional literature course (but with plenty of visuals, including slides and Shakespeare movies), asynchronous activities online will vary.They will include: written materials, articles and essays to read, podcasts and videoclips, powerpoint presentations with comment, quizzes, interactive situations like participation in online forums, etc. Students are required to participate in the activities as part of the course requirements. With an asynchronous mode of teaching, students can work at their own pace and at times of day which are convenient for them. But there will still be, occasionally, deadlines for work to be submitted for feedback. Students will be informed when materials and activities are posted on Moodle: messages will be sent to the email address they have used when registering on Moodle.

English

Key online activities will be coordinated by course tutor Rachele S. Bassan.
Students unable to attend classes are required to contact Prof. Bassi during his office hours at least 6 weeks before the exam, in order to discuss an additional reading list.

written

This subject deals with topics related to the macro-area "Human capital, health, education" and contributes to the achievement of one or more goals of U. N. Agenda for Sustainable Development