English 117A--Shakespeare: The Early Works

Instructor: Dr. John Stenzel

T.A.: Kate O'Brien

Spring 2001 Office: Voorhies 379
Meeting Time: MWF 10-10:50 Office Hours: M 3:30-5, W 11:30-1 and by appointment
Classroom: 217 Art Telephone: 2-1954 office, (510) 548-8936 home
CRN: 62012 TA's Office: Voorhies 327, T 1:30-2:30 and W 2:30-3:30

Text and materials:

I have ordered The Riverside Shakespeare and we will use it for line and scene references. You should also own or have access to a reasonably recent college-level writing handbook (e.g., Random House Handbook) to help guide you in matters of grammar, usage, and mechanics. I expect you to own a college-level hardbound dictionary (preferably one that gives etymologies), and you will become familiar with the Oxford English Dictionary in the library / online. There will be some minor (i.e., less than $5 total) photocopying charges that you can expect to incur at various times in the quarter.

Grading Breakdown:

Assignments will be weighted as follows:

Discussion:

Besides in-class participation I am expecting you to take part in a class webchat discussion; e-mail exchanges will also be expected as part of the paper-writing and interpretive process. I am proposing to offer a 2-unit P/NC ENL 198 class that will meet in a Macintosh computer classroom (247 Olson) on Wednesday afternoon, 4-5:30, and use the networked computer tools and video playback to address stylistic / grammatical issues and to enrich your understanding of the plays. Indicate your interest on the info sheet.

Grading Policy:

I will usually describe quizzes one class session in advance. You are responsible for any assignments or reading changes made in your absence. Please do not miss quizzes or try to shuffle the schedule on your own; I am not expected to schedule make-ups.
NB: All graded assignments count toward the final grade in the course, and I will make every effort to apply the same grading standards throughout the term. I will, however, take into account any significant improvement when figuring the final grade. You must perform the various required work in the order it is assigned, NOT in a flurry at the end.

Attendance:

Regular, punctual attendance is a requirement for this course, as well as a courtesy to your colleagues and to me. If you miss (or sleep through) more than three classes, expect to see your grade reflect your choice. Expect exams and quizzes to cover material addressed in lecture, as well as material from the readings. Quizzes will be held at the beginning of the class period, and very short writing tasks may be required at any time, with results informally noted and factored into the participation grade.

Tentative Schedule of Due Dates:

Wednesday April 11 -- Quiz 1

Friday April 20 -- Short paper 1

Friday May 4 -- Midterm

Monday May 14 -- Quiz 2

Monday May 21 -- Short paper 2

Friday June 1 -- Quiz 3

Saturday June 9 --Final Exam, 4 PM


Coded 30 March 2001