EN3SG-Shakespeare and Gender

Module Provider: English Literature
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:6
Terms in which taught: Autumn term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites: English Part 1
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded: EN3SR Shakespeare and Romance
Current from: 2019/0

Module Convenor: Prof Grace Ioppolo

Email: g.j.ioppolo@reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:
This module will consist of a specialised and intensive course of study of from three to six plays of Shakespeare, using the topic of Gender.

Aims:
This module provides students with an opportunity for further and more intensive study of a range of Shakespeare's plays. It is designed to apply a gender-based approach to Shakespeare's works in order to develop students' awareness of the relationship between his texts and the wider contexts of the period and within critical study of the field of early modern drama and society.

Assessable learning outcomes:
Assessable learning outcomes:
By the end of the module it is expected that students will be able to:
􀀕 Analyse in detail some of the distinctive gendered characteristics of the selected primary texts
􀀕 Recognise and discuss relevant aspects of Shakespeare's socio-cultural contexts and their specific influences on his texts
􀀕 Integrate issues of critical theory and dramatic practice
􀀕 Engage critically with ideas presented in seminars and secondary materials
􀀕 Construct and express coherent critical arguments in writing.

Additional outcomes:
Oral and written communication skills will be developed, together with critical, interpretative and analytical abilities. Students will also enhance their IT competence through the use of relevant web resources in a critically informed manner.

Outline content:

This module will consist of a specialised and intensive course of study on from three to six plays of Shakespeare, focussing on the topic of gender. Students will be asked to examine the social relationships of men and women in the early modern age and the influence of the family, the community, the church and the government on those relationships. In addition students will examine the power of theatre to shape, exploit, or institutionalise such relationships. Texts to be discussed will be chosen from among the following: The Taming of the Shrew, Richard III, Twelfth Night, All's Well That Ends Well, Love's Labour's Lost, Othello, and Pericles.

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:
Structured three hour seminars, for which students are required to do preparatory reading. Students are also entitled to a half-hour tutorial on their formative written work. With the consent of the module convenor, students may also undertake a placement, through which they will learn how to apply the knowledge and skills gained in studying for this module in a professional context outside the University.

Contact hours:

	Autumn	Spring	Summer
Seminars	30		1
Tutorials	0.5
Guided independent study:	129.5		39
Total hours by term		18.5
Total hours for module	200

Summative Assessment Methods:

Method	Percentage
Written exam	50
Written assignment including essay	50

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:
Summative Assessment Methods (%) - work which always contributes towards the overall module mark:

Formative assessment methods:
Formative Assessment Methods - work which provides opportunities to improve performance (e.g. through feedback provided) but which does not necessarily always contribute towards the overall module mark:

Students write one formative essay, of between 1500 and 2000 words. Feedback will also be provided on the assessed essay of 2250-2500 words, or the equivalent placement report..

Penalties for late submission:
The Module Convener will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day[1] (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of five working days;

where the piece of work is submitted more than five working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: http://www.reading.ac.uk/web/FILES/qualitysupport/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf
You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Assessment requirements for a pass:
A mark of at least 40% overall.

Reassessment arrangements:

Re-examination in August. Coursework will be carried forward if it bears a confirmed mark of 40% or more. Otherwise it must be resubmitted by 25 August.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 8 April 2019