Course Description
Summary
Fortunately for all of us, the dumb title of this class is the only piece of writing I’m bringing to the course. Instead, once we’re in class together, we’ll leave the heavy lifting of writing and storytelling and merrymaking to Billy. The class will dive deep into reading and discussions of six Shakespeare comedies, The Tempest, Twelfth Night, Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado ¿ÐýÃŹÙÍø Nothing, As You Like It, and A Comedy of Errors, focusing on the structure, plot, character, and language, as well as influences and original source material for these plays. Why do Shakespeare’s comedies endure? What can we learn about storytelling, human nature, and contemporary life through discussions of works of art over four hundred years old? We will also screen and discuss contemporary and 20th Century films based on individual plays. Students should expect to write critical essays, take in-class reading quizzes, complete a longer final project, and participate actively and vocally in class conversations.
