The purpose of Shakespeare I and Shakespeare II is the same, to provide an introduction to the works of William Shakespeare.
Students can take either course, in any order.
The division of Shakespeare into two courses is to allow a student to take 6 credits of Shakespeare, if desired, without repeating the same plays. In my courses, because of the limits of time, I usually teach seven plays, omitting the poetic works. The emphasis is on the dramatic aspects of the works, that is, Shakespeare as a playwright, with little attention given to Shakespeare as poet or as an historical artifact. Students with a strong predilection for character analysis sometimes find my approach to drama unpalatable. Attendance is mandatory.