This course will examine in detail a group of Shakespeare’s most fascinating, problematic, and controversial plays: The Winter’s Tale, The Tempest, Cymbeline, and Pericles—four plays that are typically joined under the genre of “romance.” Our seminar will investigate the origins of these plays in Shakespeare’s own time, and consider the historical contexts and events that relate to the creation of these plays (imperialism, colonialism, economic expansion). We will also view how his drama is indebted to a long and rich tradition of romance in British literature and culture. In doing so, we will read not only these plays themselves, but other work by Shakespeare (Henry V), the sources that he used in writing these plays, plays by several of Shakespeare’s contemporaries (The Knight of the Burning Pestle), as well as historic and recent criticism.

This course is not recommended for students who have a limited background in Shakespeare. ENG505, Shakespeare, typically offered in the fall semester, is a better choice for students who have little prior experience with the material.

Required Texts:

Pericles, Arden ISBN: 1903436850

The Tempest, Norton Critical Edition ISBN: 0393978192

The Winter's Tale, Arden ISBN: 1903436354

Henry V, New Cambridge ISBN: 0521612640

Cymbeline, New Cambridge ISBN: 0521296943

NOTE ON THE ABOVE TEXTS: I have ordered single editions of Shakespeare's plays that include extensive paratextual material (notes, introductions, bibliographies, etc.). If you already own a good edition of Shakespeare's plays, you may feel free to use it, as I will make the occasional readings from these individual play editions available on PBWorks.

Francis Beaumont, The Knight of the Burning Pestle, New Mermaids, ISBN 0713650699

All other readings will be made available on PBWorks.