ENG 111-4 - Topic: Shakespeare & Freedom (W) (1)

How does Shakespeare portray personal and political quests for freedom? What do his plays suggest about the power of freedom, its fruits and the responsibilities it demands? In this academic writing seminar, we will focus on a couple of plays, such as Julius Caesar and The Tempest, whose dramatic action is propelled by quests for freedom. We will study closely the playtexts, several of their performances, and selected contemporary literary and cinematic works that appropriate the plays for the goals of progressive social and political movements, from anti-colonial resistance through gay and queer liberation, to the youth movements in the new European democracies calling for the restoration of ethics to politics. We will also address the big question of the social value of literature. In today’s age of insatiable consumer appetites, what good is Shakespeare in particular and the arts more generally? Written assignments, including a paper involving library research, will challenge your creativity and hone your analytical and critical reading skills. Plan on daily writing, reflection on the writing process, and thoughtful revision of your papers. Not open to students who have previously completed a First-Year Writing Course.
(Writing Requirement)