Course coordinator
Dr Victoria Bladen
Course overview
- Study period
- Semester 2, 2025 (28/07/2025 - 22/11/2025)
- Study level
- Undergraduate
- Location
- St Lucia
- Attendance mode
- In Person
- Units
- 2
- Administrative campus
- St Lucia
- Coordinating unit
- Communication & Arts School
This course introduces students to the work of William Shakespeare and some of his contemporaries in the early modern period, such as Christopher Marlowe, Ben Jonson, and Elizabeth Cary. It considers a range of themes including power and monarchy; the supernatural (including magic, witchcraft and alchemy) and emerging scepticism; nature and pastoral space; gender and race. Students will also develop their skills in close reading, literary analysis and research techniques; and have an opportunity to examine rare books from the early modern period in the Fryer Library.
In exploring the selection of ﾠdramatic texts, we will consider the historical and political circumstances in which these plays were written, aspects of language, character, class, power, and some of the key themes that preoccupied Shakespeare and other early modern dramatists. The focus plays are representative of a range of genres: history, tragedy, comedy, city comedy, closet drama and romance. The course will give students a solid understanding of drama from the early modern period, and provide them with techniques on how to appreciate and critically analyse early modern literary culture.
In 2025, the course explores four key themes (Power and Monarchy; The Supernatural and Scepticism; Nature and pastoral space; and Gender and Race) across the following 11 plays:
· 1 Henry IV (1597) - Shakespeare
· King Lear (1605) Shakespeare
· Dr Faustus (A-text, 1604) - Marlowe
· The Witch of Edmonton (1621)- Dekker, Ford and Rowley
· Macbeth (1606) - Shakespeare
· The Alchemist (1610) – Jonson
· As You Like It (1599)- Shakespeare
· A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1600)- Shakespeare
· The Tragedy of Mariam (1613) - Cary
· The Merchant of Venice (1596) – Shakespeare
· The Tempest (1611) – Shakespeare
Students will also have the opportunity to design a creative response to a play (zine, creative journal or scene rewrite) and the option of including their work in an exhibition at the Fryer library at the end of semester.
Course requirements
Assumed background
We assume that you have completed 2 Arts courses. Although this is a second-level course, it is an introduction to Shakespeare and his contemporaries. You do not need any prior knowledge of the writer or his period in order to participate fully in this course. The course assumes that you are fluent in written and spoken English; students who are not fluent in English are still welcome to enrol in the course but are encouraged to also enrol in supplementary courses to improve their academic English.
Incompatible
You can't enrol in this course if you've already completed the following:
DRAM6230
Restrictions
Course offering may be cancelled unless a minimum of 20 students enrol.
Course contact
Course staff
Lecturer
Dr Victoria Bladen
Timetable
The timetable for this course is available on the UQ Public Timetable.
Additional timetable information
You can find information on enrollment and class allocation at:ﾠhttps://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/classes-timetables-and-coursework/enrolment-and-class-allocation
Class Allocation
Whilst every effort is made to place students in their preferred activity, it is not always possible for a student to be enrolled in their tutorial of choice. If you require assistance, please ensure that you email timetabling.commarts@enquire.uq.edu.au from your UQ student email with:
- Your name
- Your student ID
- The course code
- A list of three tutorial preferences (in order of preference)
- Reason for the change – e.g. timetable clash, elite athlete status, SAP
Teaching staff do not have access to change tutorials or help with timetables; all timetabling changes must be processed through the Timetabling Team.
Aims and outcomes
The aims of the course are:
- to provide an overview of early modern drama by considering a range of plays that are representative of the period, including well-known plays by Shakespeare together with lesser-known plays by some of his contemporaries;
- to introduce students to a range of different genres in early modern drama;ﾠ
- to provide students with a solid understanding of the historical contexts and key issues common to early modern plays;
- to equipﾠstudents with the appropriate methods for understanding and analysing early modern drama; and
- to develop students' skills in close reading, analysis, and research techniques.
Learning outcomes
After successfully completing this course you should be able to:
LO1.
demonstrate an understanding of early modern drama and specific knowledge of a range of plays that are representative of the early modern period;
LO2.
interpret and analyse early modern plays on the basis of their relevant historical, cultural, literary, and dramatic contexts; and respond to texts in critical and creative ways;
LO3.
locate relevant secondary materials for scholarly research on early modern plays, and apply relevant methods and research techniques; and
LO4.
write and communicate accurately and clearly in relation to early modern drama; apply relevant critical vocabulary and appropriate theoretical terminology; and develop arguments supported by relevant evidence in your research and analysis.
Assessment
Assessment summary
| Category | Assessment task | Weight | Due date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Participation/ Student contribution, Portfolio, Reflection |
Management of Learning
|
30% |
28/07/2025 - 31/10/2025 |
| Essay/ Critique |
Close Reading Essay
|
20% |
29/08/2025 4:00 pm
Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard |
| Creative Production/ Exhibition, Essay/ Critique, Product/ Design, Reflection |
Creative Response
|
20% |
10/10/2025 4:00 pm |
| Examination |
Exam
|
30% |
End of Semester Exam Period 8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025 |
Assessment details
Management of Learning
- In-person
- Mode
- Activity/ Performance, Written
- Category
- Participation/ Student contribution, Portfolio, Reflection
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
28/07/2025 - 31/10/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Instructions:
Weekly throughout semester:
· Preparation (1 mark per tutorial) pre-class: complete the required reading and fill in the worksheet to bring to tutorials (10%).
· Participation (1 mark per tutorial) in class: discussion, activities and writing exercises (10%).
· Reflection (1 mark per tutorial) after class: post a brief response (2-3 sentences) to one aspect of the class discussion on the padlet (10%).
Management of Learning Summary (due 31 Oct 4pm)
· Fill in the Management of Learning Summary (see template on BB) including scans/photos of each of your 10 completed worksheets and screenshots of your 10 padlet posts.
Criteria:
· Evidence of a reasonable attempt at each of the components (Preparation, Participation and Reflection) of the Management of Learning.
AI Policy
Participation (in-class writing exercises): Note that for in-class writing exercises (generally 10-15 mins) that form part of your Participation component, the task will be handwritten and without the aid of devices (except if a student has a SAP in place for any medical condition preventing them from the ability to handwrite a response). This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted for this task. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Preparation and Reflection: These tasks have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Library Materials and Gen-AI: Students are also reminded that library materials may not be entered into AI technologies without express permission: Policies and guidelines - Library - The University of Queensland
“You may not share, re-publish, copy or enter into AI technologies any part of a resource accessed from our online collections unless expressly permitted in the licence terms for that resource”
“Except as permitted under each Publisher's terms and conditions of use, you must not:
Use UQ Library resource content as an input to generative AI products or services”
For referencing AI/MT see the Library guide: https://guides.library.uq.edu.au/referencing/ai-tools-assignments
For referencing AI in MLA style see: How do I cite generative AI in MLA style? from the official MLA style website.
Submission guidelines
Submission: for submission of the Management of Learning Summary, upload a file to the Turnitin link via the course BB site. The link for submission will become available in the Assessment folder the day before the due date.
TurnItIn Receipts:
This assignment will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Extension/Alternative assessment option:
If you miss a tutorial, due to illness or other acceptable reason, you can make up the 3 marks for that week, if you choose, by:
· Preparation (1 mark): completing the required readings and the worksheet and bringing the worksheet to the next tutorial (in addition to the worksheet for the current tutorial);
· Participation (1 mark): organising with the course convenor to attend an alternative in-person session (1 hr 20 mins) where you will be given alternative work to make up for the missed tutorial; and
· Reflection (1 mark): posting on the padlet in response to a question provided by the course convenor at the alternative in-person session, as an alternative to responding to the missed class discussion.
The maximum extension for any missed tutorial (Tutes 1-9) is 4 weeks. The maximum extension for missing Tute 10/Week 13 is 1 week. The maximum number of alternative assessments for missed tutorials is 3 per semester.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Close Reading Essay
- Online
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Essay/ Critique
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
29/08/2025 4:00 pm
Submit via TurnItIn through Blackboard
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04
Task description
Instructions:
· Part 1: Analysis of AI-generated essay (300 words). Analyse the AI-generated essay and comment on how the essay could be improved.
· Part 2: Close reading essay (700 words including quotations). Choose a scene (it may be part of a scene or a substantive speech) from one of our first two plays (Henry IV Part 1 or King Lear). Analyse the scene using your close reading skills. You may wish to consider elements such as:
1. the scene’s location and context in the play;
2. language (including figurative imagery, the effect of metaphors, literary and/or rhetorical devices);
3. any historical contexts relevant to particular references;
4. the nature and effect of dialogue;
5. what character attributes are revealed; and
6. any other elements relevant to the scene.
You do not need to refer to any secondary materials or include a Works Cited list. All quotations should be referenced using numerical references eg (3.2.10-12) for act 3, scene 2, lines 10 to 12, and use double quotation marks, as per MLA style. Avoid long quotations (quotations exceeding 4 lines); choose short quotations instead.
Font: use Times New Roman 12-point font; 1.5 line spacing. Style guide: MLA.
Criteria:
· Analysis of AI essay (5 marks)
· Analysis of scene (10 marks)
- Writing mechanics and presentation (5 marks)
AI Policy
These tasks have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Library Materials and Gen-AI: Students are also reminded that library materials may not be entered into AI technologies without express permission: Policies and guidelines - Library - The University of Queensland
“You may not share, re-publish, copy or enter into AI technologies any part of a resource accessed from our online collections unless expressly permitted in the licence terms for that resource”
“Except as permitted under each Publisher's terms and conditions of use, you must not:
Use UQ Library resource content as an input to generative AI products or services”
For referencing AI/MT see the Library guide: https://guides.library.uq.edu.au/referencing/ai-tools-assignments
For referencing AI in MLA style see: How do I cite generative AI in MLA style? from the official MLA style website.
Submission guidelines
Submission: upload a file to the Turnitin link via the course BB site. The link for submission will become available in the folder the day before the due date.
TurnItIn Receipts:
This assignment will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Creative Response
- Online
- Mode
- Product/ Artefact/ Multimedia, Written
- Category
- Creative Production/ Exhibition, Essay/ Critique, Product/ Design, Reflection
- Weight
- 20%
- Due date
10/10/2025 4:00 pm
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L04
Task description
Word Count: 1000 words maximum
Instructions:
· Part 1: Design a creative response to one of the plays on the course (other than the play you wrote on for your Close Reading Essay Part 2). This can be in the form of a:
o Zine (10 pages max); or
o Creative journal (10 pages max); or
o Rewrite of a scene (750 words max) from a play.
Design elements for the zine or creative journal option could include collage, drawn or traced images, and cut and pasted quotations from the play. The creative journal could, for example, reflect on your reading/watching experiences of the play, or be an imagined journal by one of the characters in the play. The rewrite of a scene could imagine the scene from an alternative perspective or from a particular character’s point of view, or adapt the scene to a modern setting or different context. You are encouraged to use your imagination and creative skills in this exercise. At the same time, the response should evidence your knowledge of the play.
· Part 2: Reflection on process (250 words): Reflect on your process and experience in designing your creative response. For example, did your creative response lead to some new insights on the play for you? What meanings might a reader/viewer find in your work?
Criteria:
· Creativity (10 marks)
· Reflection on process (5 marks)
· Evidence of knowledge of the focus play (5 marks)
Submission: Fill in the Creative Response template on BB which will include your reflection on process and photos/scans of the zine/creative journal (if chosen) or scene rewrite. Upload a file to the Turnitin link via the course BB site. The link for submission will become available in the folder the day before the due date.
Exhibition: Students will have the opportunity, if they wish, to have their work for the Creative Response included in an exhibition at the Fryer library at the end of semester (details to be confirmed).
AI Policy
These tasks have been designed to be challenging, authentic and complex. Whilst students may use AI and/or MT technologies, successful completion of assessment in this course will require students to critically engage in specific contexts and tasks for which artificial intelligence will provide only limited support and guidance. A failure to reference generative AI or MT use may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct. To pass this assessment, students will be required to demonstrate detailed comprehension of their written submission independent of AI and MT tools.
Library Materials and Gen-AI: Students are also reminded that library materials may not be entered into AI technologies without express permission: Policies and guidelines - Library - The University of Queensland
“You may not share, re-publish, copy or enter into AI technologies any part of a resource accessed from our online collections unless expressly permitted in the licence terms for that resource”
“Except as permitted under each Publisher's terms and conditions of use, you must not:
Use UQ Library resource content as an input to generative AI products or services”.
For referencing AI/MT see the Library guide: https://guides.library.uq.edu.au/referencing/ai-tools-assignments
For referencing AI in MLA style see: How do I cite generative AI in MLA style? from the official MLA style website.
Submission guidelines
Submission: Fill in the Creative Response template on BB which will include your reflection on process and photos/scans of the zine/creative journal (if chosen) or scene rewrite. Upload a file to the Turnitin link via the course BB site. The link for submission will become available in the folder the day before the due date.
TurnItIn Receipts:
This assignment will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using TurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course, you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory online Academic Integrity Tutorial.
When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. Students are responsible for retaining evidence of submission by the due date for all assessment items, in the required form (e.g. screenshot, email, photo, and an unaltered copy of submitted work).
If the submission was not successful:
- Note the error message (preferably take a screenshot).
- Go to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- If you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
Please visit this webpage for further advice on how to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Deferral or extension
You may be able to apply for an extension.
Late submission
A penalty of 10% of the maximum possible mark will be deducted per 24 hours from time submission is due for up to 7 days. After 7 days, you will receive a mark of 0.
Exam
- Identity Verified
- In-person
- Mode
- Written
- Category
- Examination
- Weight
- 30%
- Due date
End of Semester Exam Period
8/11/2025 - 22/11/2025
- Learning outcomes
- L01, L02, L03, L04
Task description
Word Count: variable
Instructions:
· The exam will be 1.5 hrs, plus reading time (10 mins).
· Students may take 1 double-sided A4 sheet with quotations from 1-2 plays and from secondary sources together with the citations for the secondary sources. The sheet should not include any pre-written essay notes or outline.
· Students may not take copies of the plays or secondary materials into the exam.
· The paper will comprise:
o 10 short answers (10 marks); and
o 1 essay response (20 marks). This essay will be on 1 or 2 plays from the set texts in response to one of the 4 themes of the course. The essay should be focused on the research topic students have worked on during the semester. Students are expected to develop an argument for their essay. They may not write on a play that they wrote on for the Close Reading Essay Part 2 but may write on a play used for the Creative Response.
Criteria:
· Accuracy of short answers (10 marks)
· Essay Content and Analysis of play/s (10 marks)
· Writing mechanics (10 marks)
AI Policy
This assessment task is to be completed in-person. The use of generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) or Machine Translation (MT) tools will not be permitted. Any attempted use of AI or MT may constitute student misconduct under the Student Code of Conduct.
Exam details
| Planning time | 10 minutes |
|---|---|
| Duration | 90 minutes |
| Calculator options | No calculators permitted |
| Open/closed book | Closed book examination - specified written materials permitted |
| Materials | · Students may take 1 double-sided A4 sheet with quotations from 1-2 plays and from secondary sources together with the citations for the secondary sources. The sheet should not include any pre-written essay notes or outline. · Students may not take copies of the plays or secondary materials into the exam. |
| Exam platform | Paper based |
| Invigilation | Invigilated in person |
Submission guidelines
Handwritten exam. Submission of answer booklet should include the 1 double-sided A4 sheet (with quotations from 1-2 plays and from secondary sources together with the citations for the secondary sources).
Deferral or extension
You may be able to defer this exam.
Course grading
Full criteria for each grade is available in the Assessment Procedure.
| Grade | Cut off Percent | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 (Low Fail) | 0 - 24 |
Absence of evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 2 (Fail) | 25 - 44 |
Minimal evidence of achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 3 (Marginal Fail) | 45 - 49 |
Demonstrated evidence of developing achievement of course learning outcomes |
| 4 (Pass) | 50 - 64 |
Demonstrated evidence of functional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 5 (Credit) | 65 - 74 |
Demonstrated evidence of proficient achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 6 (Distinction) | 75 - 84 |
Demonstrated evidence of advanced achievement of course learning outcomes. |
| 7 (High Distinction) | 85 - 100 |
Demonstrated evidence of exceptional achievement of course learning outcomes. |
Additional course grading information
- Final grades will be determined by the aggregate of assessment marks and will be awarded in the form of 7 (85% +); 6 (75% - 84%); 5 (65% - 74%); 4 (50% - 64%), 3 (45% - 49%); 2 (25% - 44%); 1 (1% - 24%).
- Where fractional marks occur in the calculation of the final grade, a mark of x.5% or greater will be rounded up to (x+1)%. A percentage mark of less than x.5% will be rounded down to x%.ﾠ
- Where no assessable work is received, a Grade of X will apply.
Supplementary assessment
Supplementary assessment is available for this course.
Additional assessment information
Marks Cannot Be Changed After Being Released:
Marks are not open to negotiation with course staff. If you wish to discuss the feedback you have received, you should make an appointment to speak with the Course Coordinator.
Assessment Re-mark:
For information on requesting an assessment re-mark, please view the following page on my.UQ:ﾠhttps://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/academic-progress-and-final-results/querying-result.
Deferred Examinations:
The University recognises that on occasion a medical condition or other exceptional circumstances may impair your ability to attend an examination at the scheduled date and time. Depending on the circumstances, you may be eligible for a deferred examination, and be permitted to sit your mid-semester or end of semester examinations at a later scheduled time. For information for eligibility and application instructions please view the following page on myUQ:ﾠhttps://my.uq.edu.au/information-and-services/manage-my-program/exams-and-assessment/deferring-exam.
TurnItIn Receipts:
- Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and usingﾠTurnItIn. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory onlineﾠAcademic Integrity Tutorial.
- When you successfully submit your assessment to TurnItIn you will see text confirming your submission is complete, before being redirected to your Assignment inbox. On this page you can:
- View the name of the submitted file
- View date and time of the upload
- Resubmit your paper (if necessary)
- Download your submitted paper
- Download digital receipt.
- If you cannot see your submission in your Assignment inbox you should regard your submission as unsuccessful. It is the responsibility of the student to check the assignment preview and confirm that the assignment has been successfully submitted. It is recommended you download a copy of this receipt following every submission. Please note, screenshots showingﾠwhen the assignment was last editedﾠwill not be accepted as evidence of submission/completion time.
- If the submission was not successful:
- ﾠNote the error message (preferably take a screenshot).ﾠ
- ﾠGo to your assignment page and see if it is possible to submit again.
- ﾠIf you cannot submit again email your course coordinator immediately with the assignment attached.
- Please visit this webpage for further advice on ﾠhow to submit your TurnItIn assignment.
Integrity Pledge:
Assignments for this course will be submitted electronically via Blackboard and using Turnitin. Before submitting any assignments for this course you must ensure you have completed UQ's compulsory onlineﾠAcademic Integrity Modules.ﾠ
In uploading an assignment via Turnitin you are certifying that it is your original work, that it has not been copied in whole or part from another person or source except where this is properly acknowledged, and that it has not in whole or part been previously submitted for assessment in any other course at this or any other university.ﾠ
Withholding Marks Prior to Finalisation of Grades:
PerﾠPPL 3.10.02 – 3.6.6 (2): Results for all summative assessment items are to be made available to individual students through the eLearning Management System on completion of marking, with the exception of the final assessment item which is to be released only after the final grade for the course has been released.ﾠ
Learning resources
You'll need the following resources to successfully complete the course. We've indicated below if you need a personal copy of the reading materials or your own item.
Library resources
Find the required and recommended resources for this course on the UQ Library website.
Additional learning resources information
Further useful resources:
The New Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare online, 2nd edition, ed Margreta De Grazia and Stanley Wells, Cambridge UP, 2011. The New Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare (uq.edu.au)
Oxford Companion to Shakespeare online, edited by Michael Dobson, Stanley Wells, et. al., 2nd ed, Oxford UP, 2015: Oxford Companion to Shakespeare - Oxford Reference (uq.edu.au)
Gaber, Marjorie Shakespeare After All. Anchor Books, 2005. Available online: Shakespeare after All - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)
The Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare's History Plays, Hattaway, Michael. Cambridge University Press, 2002. Available online: The Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare's History Plays - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)
The Cambridge Companion to Shakespearean Tragedy, edited by Claire McEachern. Cambridge University Press, 2013. Available online: The Cambridge Companion to Shakespearean Tragedy (uq.edu.au)
The Cambridge companion to Christopher Marlowe, edited by Patrick Cheney, Cambridge UP, 2004. The Cambridge companion to Christopher Marlowe / edited by Patrick Cheney - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)
The Cambridge Companion to Ben Jonson, edited by Richard Harp and Stanley Stewart, Cambridge UP, 2000. The Cambridge Companion to Ben Jonson - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)
The Cambridge Companion to English Renaissance Tragedy, edited by Smith, Emma, and Garrett A. Sullivan.ﾠ Cambridge University Press, 2010. The Cambridge Companion to English Renaissance Tragedy - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)
Loomba, Ania. “Outsiders in Shakespeare’s England.”ﾠThe Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare, edited by Margreta De Grazia and Stanley Wells, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2001, pp. 147–166 Outsiders in Shakespeare’s England (Chapter 10) - The Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare (uq.edu.au)
Traub, Valerie. “Gender and Sexuality in Shakespeare.” The Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare, edited by Margreta De Grazia and Stanley Wells, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, 2001, pp. 129–146. Gender and sexuality in Shakespeare (Chapter 9) - The Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare (uq.edu.au)
Past Masters database Past Masters (uq.edu.au)ﾠ This contains online editions of the works of various seminal figures in the humanities, including figures from the early modern period such as Michel de Montaigne, Niccolo Machiavelli, Martin Luther and John Calvin.
Perdita manuscriptsﾠ:ﾠwomen writers 1500-1700 Home - Perdita Manuscripts (uq.edu.au) "Perdita" means "lostﾠwoman" and the aim of the Project has been to identify and describe all manner ofﾠmanuscriptﾠwriting by early modernﾠwomenﾠfrom diaries to works of drama.
English Broadside Ballad Archive: UCSB English Broadside Ballad Archive
Teaching early modernﾠEnglishﾠliterature from theﾠarchives, edited by Heidi Brayman Hackel and Ian Frederick Moultonﾠ New York The Modern Language Association of America, 2015.ﾠ [Library: PR421 .T4 2015]
On the Supernatural:
Bladen, Victoria and Yan Brailowsky, eds. Shakespeare and the supernatural Manchester UP, 2020. Shakespeare and the supernatural / edited by Victoria Bladen and Yan Brailowsky - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au) [Library: PR3004 .S43 2020] [e-book requested]
Harmes, Marcus and VictoriaﾠBladen Supernatural andﾠSecular Power in Early Modern England Routledge, 2016. Available online Supernatural and secular power in early modern England / edited by Marcus Harmes [and] Victoria Bladen - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)
On alchemy:
Rampling, Jennifer M. The Experimental Fire: Inventing English Alchemy, 1300-1700. University of Chicago Press, 2020. The experimental fire: inventing english alchemy, 1300-1700 / Jennifer M. Rampling - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)
On nature in early modern literature:
Bladen, Victoria, The Tree of Life and Arboreal Aestheticsﾠin Early Modern Literature, Routledge, 2021. Available online: The Tree of Life and Arboreal Aesthetics in Early Modern Literature - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)
Harrison, Robert Pogue Forests:ﾠthe shadow of civilization. University of Chicago Press, 1992. Forests : the shadow of civilization / Robert Pogue Harrison - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au) [e-book requested]
Databases in the UQ Library:
Early English Books Online (EEBO) Early English books online - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)
Early European Books: Early European books - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)
Oxford Dictionary of National Biography Oxford dictionary of national biography - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)
Shakespeare’s Globe Archive: Shakespeare's Globe archive : theatres, players & performance - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)
Shakespeare in Performance (Folger Shakespeare Library) Shakespeare in performance : prompt books from the Folger Shakespeare Library - University of Queensland (uq.edu.au)
Performances available online:
Shakespeare’s Henry IV Part 1: Globe on screen production available via Drama Online (2.75 hrs) Drama Online - Henry IV, Part 1 (uq.edu.au)
Shakespeare’s King Lear: Globe on screen production available via Drama Online (2.8 hrs) Drama Online - King Lear (uq.edu.au)
Shakespeare’s Macbeth: National Theatre Live 2018 production available via Drama Online (2 hrs) Drama Online - Macbeth (uq.edu.au)
Marlowe’s Doctor Faustus: Globe on screen production available via Drama Online (2.5 hrs): Drama Online - Doctor Faustus (uq.edu.au)
Shakespeare’s As You Like It: Globe on screen production available via Drama Online (2.5 hrs) Drama Online - As You Like It (uq.edu.au)
Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Globe on screen production available via Drama Online (2.8 hrs)Drama Online - A Midsummer Night's Dream (uq.edu.au)
Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice: Globe on screen production available via Drama Online (2.5 hrs)Drama Online - The Merchant of Venice (uq.edu.au)
Shakespeare’s The Tempest: Globe on screen production available via Drama Online (2.5 hrs)Drama Online - The Tempest (uq.edu.au)
The library also has many film adaptations of Shakespeare plays.
Web links:
The Shakespeare Association of America, https://shakespeareassociation.org
The Folger Shakespeare Library, https://www.folger.edu/
The Globe Theatre, https://www.shakespearesglobe.com/learn/
Learning activities
The learning activities for this course are outlined below. Learn more about the learning outcomes that apply to this course.
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| Learning period | Activity type | Topic |
|---|---|---|
Week 1 (28 Jul - 03 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 1: Introduction Lecture 1: Introduction to Shakespeare and the early modern world; course and assessment requirements Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 1: No Tutorials |
|
Week 2 (04 Aug - 10 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 2: Henry IV Part 1 Lecture 2: Henry IV Part 1 (1597) – Shakespeare Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 2: Henry IV Part 1 Tutorial 1: Discussion of Henry IV Part 1 and introductory readings from week 1; close reading and scene analysis; writing exercise. Bring to class: your copy of the play; your completed/attempted worksheet; and pen and paper for the writing exercise. After the class: post a brief response (2-3 sentences) to one aspect of the class discussion on the padlet. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Week 3 (11 Aug - 17 Aug) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 3: Reading Week 1 · No lecture or tutorials due to public holiday. · Thurs 14 Aug 10am - 12pm: Optional visit to UQ’s Fryer library to view rare books from the early modern period (details to be confirmed). · Reading: it is recommended that you use this first reading week to read ahead; aim to get through 2 of the course set texts this week (estimated reading time 5-6 hrs). Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 4 (18 Aug - 24 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 4: King Lear Lecture 3: King Lear (1605) – Shakespeare Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 4: King Lear Tutorial 2: Discussion of King Lear; close reading and scene analysis; writing exercise. Discussion of Close Reading Essay Assessment. To Do: Read the instructions for the Close Reading Essay Assessment. Bring to class: your copy of the play; your completed/attempted worksheet; and pen and paper for the writing exercise. After the class: post a brief response (2-3 sentences) to one aspect of the class discussion on the padlet. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Week 5 (25 Aug - 31 Aug) |
Lecture |
Week 5: Doctor Faustus (A-text, 1604) Lecture 4: Introduction to Christopher Marlowe's Doctor Faustus (A-text, 1604). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Tutorial |
Week 5: Doctor Faustus (A-text, 1604) Tutorial 3: Discussion of Doctor Faustus; close reading and scene analysis; writing exercise. Discussion of any questions on Close Reading Essay Assessment. Bring to class: your copy of the play; your completed/attempted worksheet; and pen and paper for the writing exercise. After the class: post a brief response (2-3 sentences) to one aspect of the class discussion on the padlet. For any students requiring an extension on the due date of the Close Reading Essay Assessment for medical, or other acceptable reasons, ensure you have submitted your application well before the due date. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Week 6 (01 Sep - 07 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 6: The Witch of Edmonton (1621) Lecture 5: The Witch of Edmonton (1621) – Dekker, Ford and Rowley Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 6: The Witch of Edmonton (1621) Tutorial 4: Discussion of The Witch of Edmonton and Macbeth; close reading and scene analysis; writing exercise. Bring to class: your copy of the plays; your completed/attempted worksheet; and pen and paper for the writing exercise. After the class: post a brief response (2-3 sentences) to one aspect of the class discussion on the padlet. Note: Since many students study Macbeth at secondary level, the lecture will focus instead on the lesser known play The Witch of Edmonton. For any students unfamiliar with Macbeth, the Garber chapter in the required readings will provide a solid introduction to the key themes and issues relevant to the play. Further reading suggestions are available upon request. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
|
Week 7 (08 Sep - 14 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 7: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1600) Lecture 6: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1600) – Shakespeare Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 7: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1600) Tutorial 5: discussion of A Midsummer Night’s Dream; creativity exercise: zine workshop. To Do: Bring to class: your copy of the play; your completed/attempted worksheet; and materials for the zine workshop (pen and paper, scissors, and any paper ephemera you wish to incorporate into your zine). After the class: post a brief response (2-3 sentences) to one aspect of the class discussion and/or the zine activity on the padlet. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 8 (15 Sep - 21 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 8: The Alchemist (1610) Lecture 7: The Alchemist (1610) – Ben Jonson Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 8: The Alchemist (1610) Tutorial 6: discussion of The Alchemist; demo on using the library databases; writing exercise. Bring to class: your copy of the play; your completed/attempted worksheet; and pen and paper for the writing exercise. After the class: post a brief response (2-3 sentences) to one aspect of the class discussion on the padlet. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 9 (22 Sep - 28 Sep) |
Lecture |
Week 9: As You Like It (1599) Lecture 8: As You Like It (1599) Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 9: As You Like It (1599) Tutorial 7: discussion of As You Like It; writing exercise (Annotated Bibliography 3 entries on your research topic). To Do: Choose a research topic that you will develop and focus on for the Exam. It should be on 1 or 2 plays from the course (not on the play you wrote on for the Close Reading Essay Part 2; it can be on the play you choose for the Creative Response). Your topic should respond to one of the 4 themes of the course. Using the MLA International Bibliography database through the UQ library, find 3 scholarly sources you think would be useful for your research. Bring to class: your copy of the play; your completed/attempted worksheet; your ideas for your research topic and list of 3 scholarly sources; and pen and paper for the writing exercise. After the class: post a brief response (2-3 sentences) to one aspect of the class discussion on the padlet. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Mid Sem break (29 Sep - 05 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
Mid-semester break Mid-semester break: No lecture or tutorials |
Week 10 (06 Oct - 12 Oct) |
Not Timetabled |
Week 10: Reading week 2 No lecture or tutorials · To do: for any students requiring an extension on the due date of the Creative Response assessment for medical, or other acceptable reasons, ensure you have submitted your application well before the due date. Learning outcomes: L02, L03 |
Week 11 (13 Oct - 19 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 11: The Tragedy of Mariam (1613) Lecture 9: The Tragedy of Mariam (1613) - Elizabeth Cary Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 11: The Tragedy of Mariam Tutorial 8: discussion of The Tragedy of Mariam; workshop and peer review exercise on draft abstracts for research topic. To Do: Write a draft abstract for your research topic (see the sample on BB) and print out 3 hard copies. Bring to class: your copy of the play; your completed/attempted worksheet; and 3 hard copies of your draft abstract of your research topic for peer review and workshopping. After the class: post a brief response (2-3 sentences) to one aspect of the class discussion on the padlet. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 12 (20 Oct - 26 Oct) |
Lecture |
Week 12: The Merchant of Venice (1596) Lecture 10: The Merchant of Venice (1596) Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 12: The Merchant of Venice (1596) Tutorial 9: discussion of The Merchant of Venice; close reading and scene analysis; writing exercise. Bring to class: your copy of the play; your completed/attempted worksheet; and pen and paper for the writing exercise. Second chance for feedback: for any students who missed the week 11 workshopping and peer review of their draft abstracts, bring along 3 hard copies of your draft abstract to this tute. After the class: post a brief response (2-3 sentences) to one aspect of the class discussion on the padlet. Plan ahead for the exam. Write a one-page outline of your research topic that includes your key research questions, 3 main themes/issues you will explore, and 4 quotations (2 from the play/s and 2 from your secondary sources). Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L03, L04 |
|
Week 13 (27 Oct - 02 Nov) |
Lecture |
Week 13: The Tempest (1611) Lecture 11: The Tempest (1611) Learning outcomes: L01, L02 |
Tutorial |
Week 13 The Tempest (1611) Tutorial 10: discussion of The Tempest. Discussion of requirements for and questions regarding the exam; writing exercise. Bring to class: your copy of the play; your completed/attempted worksheet and pen and paper for the writing exercise. After the class: post a brief response (2-3 sentences) to one aspect of the class discussion on the padlet. Plan ahead for the exam. Practice writing on your research topic for 1 hr. Include quotations from your chosen play/s and secondary sources. For any students requiring special conditions for the exam for medical, or other acceptable reasons, ensure you have submitted your application well before the due date. Learning outcomes: L01, L02, L04 |
Policies and procedures
University policies and procedures apply to all aspects of student life. As a UQ student, you must comply with University-wide and program-specific requirements, including the:
- Student Code of Conduct Policy
- Student Integrity and Misconduct Policy and Procedure
- Assessment Procedure
- Examinations Procedure
- Reasonable Adjustments for Students Policy and Procedure
Learn more about UQ policies on my.UQ and the Policy and Procedure Library.
Course guidelines
Communication Expectations
While you are a student at UQ, all communication must be conducted according to the UQ Student Code of Conduct. The UQ Library has a helpful Communicate and collaborate online module.
- Email is the primary way for you to send messages to, and receive information from, the School and our staff.
- You must use your UQ email address (not a private address) to communicate with staff.
- You should add a clear subject line, including course code, and a 2-3 word statement.
- You can send email at any time, however, please do not expect responses outside normal working hours (Monday to Friday from ~8am to ~5pm).
- Emails that constitute bullying, harassment or discrimination against staff contravene the Student Code of Conduct. Emails like this will be reported to the University, and the matter will be pursued as misconduct.