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Vorheriges Semester
Shakespeare, Italian Comedies: The Two Gentlemen of Verona, Much Ado About Nothing, The Merchant of Venice, The Tempest
DozentIn: Prof. Dr. phil. Thomas Kullmann
Veranstaltungstyp: Seminar
Ort: 41/E07
Zeiten: Mi. 18:00 - 20:00 (wöchentlich)
Beschreibung: Many of Shakespeare’s plays are set in Italy, considered by Shakespeare’s compatriots to be a place of good life, or of evil life, or both. We are going to examine the representations of Italy in some of Shakespeare’s comedies, paying particular attention to the issues of courtliness (courtly love and courtly intrigues) as well as politics, business and society.
Another issue will be the art of performing Shakespeare: We are going to prepare a performance, or a scenic reading, of one of the plays (probably The Merchant of Venice). To have enough time for preparation, we should start in March, and organize a weekend for rehearsals in May/June. I you are interested in taking part in this project, please let me know. Participation is not compulsory, but bachelor students can obtain 2 credit points for “Wahlbereich”, or 4 credit points for a “project” (Schlüsselkompetenzen, step 4) through participating.
Furthermore, I hope to be able to arrange an excursion to Stratford-upon-Avon and London (beginning of September 2024). Please let me know if you are interested in participating, preferably by 8th February. All students of English welcome (plus guests, according to arrangement). There is no requirement for seminar participants to take part in it.
We are going to read the four plays using following editions. Please do not acquire any other editions:
Shakespeare, The Two Gentlemen of Verona, ed. Roger Warren, The Oxford Shakespeare. OUP. 978-0192831422
Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing, ed. Sheldon P. Zitner, The Oxford Shakespeare. OUP. 978-0199536115
Shakespeare, The Merchant of Venice, ed. Jay L. Halio, The Oxford Shakespeare. OUP. 978-0199535859
Shakespeare, The Tempest, ed. Virginia Mason Vaughan, Alden T. Vaughan. The Arden Shakespeare. 978-1408133477
These books will be made available at zur Heide (Dielinger Str. 42B). You may also look for reasonably-priced second-hand copies on the internet, but please make sure the ISBN numbers are the same.
Please register for the course in person, seeing me in my office (preferably after making an appointment by e-mail) before the beginning of the semester. StudIP registration is not sufficient. All those who register in person will be allowed to participate.
And please make sure you have read the plays before term starts (There will be a short test on plot and characters).