Module: Shakespeare

Latest Module Specifications

Current Academic Year 2025 - 2026

Module Title	Shakespeare
Module Code	LIT1029 (ITS: EL209)
Faculty	Humanities & Social Sciences	School	English
NFQ level	8	Credit Rating	5

Description

A survey of the unique achievement of the Shakespeare canon through analytical and comparative study of classic works of tragedy, comedy and history plays by Shakespeare. Contemporary stage and filmic adaptations of some of the plays will also be examined and analysed; and issues in relation to genre, language and critical approaches will be explored and problematised.

Learning Outcomes

1. 1DDFF5DA-CFE4-0001-A111-981B6E90ED20
2. Show familiarity with the dramatic conventions, including stage conventions, of Shakespearean tragedy.
5. 1
6. 1E14A8CF-CC0F-0001-3C2B-6F4B1840B9C0
7. Understand the relationship between drama and society posited by the prescribed plays.
10. 2
11. 1E497511-6ED0-0001-3AC2-B1941BAED800
12. Recognise links between text and performance.
15. 3
16. 1E14A8CF-D428-0001-D283-178E14801EF3
17. Demonstrate an understanding of the conventions and preoccupations of Shakespearean drama.
20. 4
21. 1E14A8CF-CD51-0001-4435-B4309800114A
22. Communicate a critical response to stage and/or film productions of some of the prescribed plays.
25. 5
26. 1E14A8CF-C760-0001-B23A-1300A4706550
27. Trace the development of Shakespeare’s plays and their critical reception.
30. 6

*Type*	*Hours*	*Description*
Workload	Full time hours per semester
Lecture	22	Covering the range of texts, contexts and concepts associated with the module.
Tutorial	3	Guided class discussion in smaller groups.
Independent Study	100	Reading, analysing, revision.
Total Workload: 125

Section Breakdown
CRN	10941	Part of Term	Semester 1
Coursework	100%	Examination Weight	0%
Grade Scale	40PASS	Pass Both Elements	N
Resit Category	RC1	Best Mark	N
Module Co-ordinator	Gearoid O'Flaherty	Module Teacher	Kit Fryatt

Type	Description	% of total	Assessment Date
Assessment Breakdown
Assignment	Essay and/or Short Assignment	25%	n/a
Assignment	'Final Assignment'	75%	n/a

Reassessment Requirement Type
Resit arrangements are explained by the following categories; RC1: A resit is available for both^* components of the module. RC2: No resit is available for a 100% coursework module. RC3: No resit is available for the coursework component where there is a coursework and summative examination element. ^* ‘Both’ is used in the context of the module having a coursework/summative examination split; where the module is 100% coursework, there will also be a resit of the assessment

Pre-requisite	None
Co-requisite	None
Compatibles	None
Incompatibles	None

All module information is indicative and subject to change. For further information,students are advised to refer to the University's Marks and Standards and Programme Specific Regulations at: http://www.dcu.ie/registry/examinations/index.shtml

Indicative Content and Learning Activities

Shakespeare, Hamlet

Shakespeare, Twelfth Night

Shakespeare, Henry IV Part One

Shakespeare, Julius Caesar

Shakespeare, King Lear

Critical Approaches to Shakespeare

Shakespeare, Language and Genre

Shakespeare in Performance on Stage/Screen

Shakespeare's Complete Works
Folger Digital Library, https://shakespeare.folger.edu/shakespeares-works/

Indicative Reading List

Books:

Bloom, Harold: 1998, The Invention Of The Human, Riverhead Books, New York,
Bradley, A.C.: 1991, Shakespearean Tragedy: Lectures on Hamlet, Othello, King Lear, Macbeth, Penguin Classics edition, Penguin, London,
Braunmuller, A.R. and Hattaway, Michael (eds.): 2003, The Cambridge Companion to English Renaissance Drama, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge,
0: Shakespeare's Complete Works, Folger Digital Library, https://shakespeare.folger.edu/shakespeares-works/, 1701470
2006: Renaissance Literature and Culture, Introductions to British Literature and Culture series, Continuum, London, 1701471
2007: The Cambridge Companion to Shakespeare on Film, Cambridge University Press, Cambridge,

Articles:
None

Other Resources

None