
Module QXE-3086:
Shakespeare's Afterlives
Module Facts
Run by School of Languages, Literatures, Linguistics and Media
20.000 Credits or 10.000 ECTS Credits
Semester 2
Organiser: Prof Helen Wilcox
Overall aims and purpose
This module will explore Shakespeare's work and the variety of ways in which it has been absorbed into the culture of subsequent centuries. The seminars will centre on a close examination of four plays, followed in each case by a study of the afterlives that these works have generated in the theatre, literature, film, music, art, criticism, politics and everyday language. The course not only offers new material for an understanding of the art of Shakespeare as well as his `followers', but also raises questions about what is deemed acceptable appropriation of Shakespeare's writing and reputation. Where does literary influence end and a cashing-in on Shakespeare's cultural capital begin? Topics for discussion thus include the perceived (and actual) role of literature in society, and the importance of Shakespeare to projects such as feminist and post-colonial rewritings of the English literary canon.
Course content
In order to explore the concept of literary afterlives, the weekly seminars alternate between the study of a Shakespeare play and the investigation of instances of the ‘afterlife’ of that particular play. For example, a seminar on A Midsummer Night’s Dream is followed by a seminar on Angela Carter’s novel Wise Children, a text riddled with references to the play and its adaptations as well as to the ‘Shakespeare industry’ as a whole. The module encourages students to be alert to examples of the use and abuse of Shakespeare in our own contemporary contexts, and to respond creatively as well as critically to the plays and other texts under discussion. Participation in seminars is stimulated by a variety of means, including weekly presentations by pairs of students and a final colloquium on the essay projects being researched by members of the group.
Assessment Criteria
threshold
Typically, work graded D- to D+ (or 40 to 49) will show many of the following qualities: • Unsure and lacking in confidence when discussing ideas • Referring to the subject in question in a superficial manner • Making an effort to provide fairly balanced answers • Some points in the argument irrelevant to the topic • Little evidence of background reading • Some uncertainty over language and syntax • Strengths and weaknesses fairly balanced; occasionally clumsy and unimaginative • In creative work: superficial • Not succeeding in mastering the requirements of the medium
good
Typically, work graded B- to B+ (or 60 to 69) will show many of the following qualities: • Discusses ideas adeptly • Most of the arguments about a specific field are well-aired • Displays knowledge of the subject in question; the answer is relevant • Shows analytical and clear thought • Gives evidence of relevant reading • Shows accuracy in expression with mastery over language. • A few minor errors here and there. • Signs of creative thought deserve a higher position within the class • In creative work: shows signs of originality, having understood the requirements of the medium • Plans of well-balanced and full answers, despite some gaps
excellent
Typically, work graded A- to A** (or 70 to 100) will show many of the following qualities: • Discusses ideas with confidence and precision • Demonstrates maturity and sophistication • Displays deep knowledge of the subject in question; the answer is totally relevant • Shows independent, analytical and clear thought • Gives evidence of substantial and relevant reading • Shows great accuracy in expression, displaying total mastery over all aspects of the language • Shows occasional signs of brilliance and originality of thought • In creative work: displays considerable originality • Command over medium; may have potential for publication/production
Learning outcomes
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Appreciate, analyse and interpret Shakespearian texts in a variety of genres.
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Participate in the critical discussion of later responses to Shakespeare’s works, including editions, essays, rewritings, films, novels and stage adaptations.
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Relate the texts, whether Shakespearian or later, to their literary and cultural contexts.
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Identify and make use of ideas and theories relevant to the study of Shakespeare’s cultural and literary afterlives, and particularly those concerning intertextuality, influence, adaptation and cultural capital.
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Select, digest and organise material and produce a consistent and coherent argument, presented both orally and in essay form, to a deadline.
Assessment Methods
Type | Name | Description | Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Short Assignment | 20.00 | ||
Short Assignment | 20.00 | ||
3,000 Word Essay | 60.00 |
Teaching and Learning Strategy
Hours | ||
---|---|---|
Seminar |
|
33 |
Private study | 167 |
Transferable skills
- Literacy - Proficiency in reading and writing through a variety of media
- Self-Management - Able to work unsupervised in an efficient, punctual and structured manner. To examine the outcomes of tasks and events, and judge levels of quality and importance
- Exploring - Able to investigate, research and consider alternatives
- Information retrieval - Able to access different and multiple sources of information
- Inter-personal - Able to question, actively listen, examine given answers and interact sensitevely with others
- Presentation - Able to clearly present information and explanations to an audience. Through the written or oral mode of communication accurately and concisely.
- Argument - Able to put forward, debate and justify an opinion or a course of action, with an individual or in a wider group setting
Resources
Talis Reading list
http://readinglists.bangor.ac.uk/modules/qxe-3086.htmlCourses including this module
Optional in courses:
- 2P78: BA English Lit with Creative Writing with International Exp year 4 (BA/ECI)
- Q310: BA Eng Lit with Eng Lang year 3 (BA/ELEL)
- 3QV1: BA History and English Literature year 3 (BA/ELH)
- 09V3: BA English Literature and Italian year 4 (BA/ELI)
- 3YT5: BA English Literature and Spanish year 4 (BA/ELIS)
- 065C: BA English Literature with Journalism year 3 (BA/ELJ)
- 1Q3Q: BA Linguistics and English Literature year 3 (BA/ELL)
- QQC3: BA English Lang and Lit year 3 (BA/ELLIT)
- 32N6: BA English Literature and Music year 3 (BA/ELM)
- 32M8: BA English Literature with Theatre and Performance year 3 (BA/ELTP)
- M3Q9: BA English Literature and Criminology and Criminal Justice year 3 (BA/ENC)
- 2P17: BA English Literature and Creative Writing year 3 (BA/ENCW)
- Q3Q2: BA English Language w English Lit year 3 (BA/ENGEL)
- 8H25: BA English Literature year 3 (BA/ENGL)
- 2D13: BA English Literature with Creative Writing year 3 (BA/ENGLC)
- 8H26: BA English Literature (with International Experience) year 4 (BA/ENIE)
- 06CD: BA French and English Literature year 4 (BA/FEL)
- 3P3Q: BA Film Studies and English Literature year 3 (BA/FSEL)
- 3N7S: BA German and English Literature year 4 (BA/GEL)
- Q1Q3: BA Ling with Eng Lit year 3 (BA/LEL)
- T124: BA English Literature & Chinese year 4 (BA/LITCH)
- 3HPQ: BA Media Studies and English Literature year 3 (BA/MEN)
- 3VQV: BA Philosophy and Religion and English Literature year 3 (BA/PREN)
- 3L3Q: BA Sociology and English Literature year 3 (BA/SEL)
- M115: LLB Law with English Literature (International Experience) year 3 (LLB/ILEL)
- Q2W9: MArts English Literature with Creative Writing year 3 (MARTS/ELCW)
- Q320: MArts English Literature year 3 (MARTS/ELIT)