ENG2327 – Shakespeare
Course description
Course content
This course offers a broad introduction to Shakespeare, with an emphasis on the texts as well as relevant ideological, literary and theatrical contexts. Plays and Renaissance drama are central, but the sonnets are also generously represented on the syllabus.
The course also considers the reception of Shakespeare, with special emphasis on influential critical notions of the early 20th century.
Learning outcome
After completing this course, you:
- have a detailed knowledge of Shakespeare’s works and world,
- understand the relevant dramatic genres,
- understand how Shakespeare’s texts have gained their unique position in English-speaking cultures,
- know about the various ways in which Shakespeare and his works are regarded today,
- have a practical understanding of the manner in which academic discourse on Shakespeare is conducted today.
Admission to the course
Students who are admitted to study programmes at UiO must each semester register which courses and exams they wish to sign up for in Studentweb.
If you are not already enrolled as a student at UiO, please see our information about admission requirements and procedures.
Overlapping courses
- 10 credits overlap with ENG4367 – Shakespeare.
Teaching
Seminars, 2 hours per week for 14 weeks. 28 hours in all.
Obligatory activities:
- An essay of 5 standard pages (a standard page consists of 2,300 characters) turned in by a stated deadline. Read more here about rules concerning valid excuses and how to apply for postponements. Information about guidelines for obligatory activities.
- It is obligatory to show up for a minimum of 60% of the teaching. In this course you have to attend 8 of 14 seminars. The requirement is absolute.
The allowed absence limit will cover all absences, including illness. You will not be granted valid absences with documentation, even when the absence is due to something beyond your control.
If the course has in-person teaching, and you are signed up for an in-person seminar group, you are to attend the teaching in the location found in the schedule.
If the course has digital teaching, and you are signed up for a digital seminar group, you must attend via Zoom with your camera on.
In certain circumstances, i.e. serious or chronic illness, you could apply for special needs accommodations.
All obligatory activities must be approved in the same semester for you to sit the exam.
Once the course requirements have been fulfilled, they remain valid for the current and the next two semesters that the course is taught.
Examination
The form of assessment is a 4-hour written examination.
Examination support material
No examination support material is allowed.
Language of examination
The examination text is given in English, and you submit your response in English.
Grading scale
Grades are awarded on a scale from A to F, where A is the best grade and F is a fail. Read more about the grading system.
More about examinations at UiO
- Use of sources and citations
- How to use AI as a student
- Special exam arrangements due to individual needs
- Withdrawal from an exam
- Illness at exams / postponed exams
- Explanation of grades and appeals
- Resitting an exam
- Cheating/attempted cheating
You will find further guides and resources at the web page on examinations at UiO.