| Unit name | Gender, Desire and the Renaissance Stage |
|---|---|
| Unit code | ENGL20206 |
| Credit points | 20 |
| Level of study | I/5 |
| Teaching block(s) |
Teaching Block 2 (weeks 13 - 24) |
| Unit director | Dr. Lesel Dawson |
| Open unit status | Not open |
| Pre-requisites |
None |
| Co-requisites |
None |
| School/department | Department of English |
| Faculty | Faculty of Arts |
This course will examine the way in which gender and desire are represented in a wide range of early modern plays. These depictions will be studied alongside a number of other primary sources - such as conduct books, sumptuary laws, and tracts on witchcraft - to give a sense of the historical conditions that gave rise to the plays, and will be analysed in relation to current ideas within literary theory.
Aims:
The course will aim to investigate both early modern constructions of sexual difference and desire, and the way in which these notions are conceptualised and articulated in different schools of criticism. This unit intends to introduce students to a wide range of Renaissance drama, in order to raise important issues in the historical construction and theoretical issues surrounding ideas about gender.
On successful completion of this unit, students should have become familiarised with 1) the social, philosophical and intellectual contexts that gave rise to the plays, and 2) with different theoretical approaches to the study of literature. In addition, students should have 3) a more detailed knowledge of Renaissance literature; 4) have improved their ability to analyse literary texts within both a historical and theoretical context; and 5) have strengthened their skills in academic writing.
2 hour seminars in one teaching block, plus 1-to-1 discussion in Consultation Hours where desired.
Both summative essays map onto ILOs 1-5.
Marlowe, Hero and Leander
Anonymous, Arden of Faversham
Shakespeare, Taming of the Shrew
Middleton, A Chaste Maid in Cheapside
Middlton, The Roaring Girl
Ford, ’Tis Pity She’s a Whore
