Shakespeare's Characters
Shakespeare's Characters Shakespeare’s reputation owes much to his characters; yet well-known as they are, they remain mysterious. What did they mean in Shakespeare’s time? How do they still succeed as characters? What explains idiotic Bottom’s charisma? What does Henry V’s flirtation with Princess Katherine or Othello’s jealousy about Desdemona reveal about Elizabethan—and our own—understandings of gender and race? Such questions will help us develop skills in speaking, writing, and critical inquiry. Texts will include at most three plays from among the following: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Much Ado About Nothing, Merchant of Venice, Henry V, Measure for Measure, Hamlet, Othello, Lear, as well as contextual readings. We will also study a film of one of the plays.
Shakespeare's Characters Shakespeare’s reputation owes much to his characters; yet well-known as they are, they remain mysterious. What did they mean in Shakespeare’s time? How do they still succeed as characters? What explains idiotic Bottom’s charisma? What does Henry V’s flirtation with Princess Katherine or Othello’s jealousy about Desdemona reveal about Elizabethan—and our own—understandings of gender and race? Such questions will help us develop skills in speaking, writing, and critical inquiry. Texts will include at most three plays from among the following: A Midsummer Night’s Drea …Read more
Professor Berg was extremely passionate and knowledgeable about everything Shakespeare. He brought this passion to class every day and displayed it in discussions, essay-draft conference meetings, and feedback. I really enjoyed the three texts we read as well. Professor Berg's assignments, though sometimes long, sharpened my writing skills and made them exponentially better. The three essays are prompted differently which avoids the repetitive nature of most English courses. This class was perfectly designed and made me a better student. I would take it again.
Professor Berg was extremely passionate and knowledgeable about everything Shakespeare. He brought this passion to class every day and displayed it in discussions, essay-draft conference meetings, and feedback. I really enjoyed the three texts we read as well. Professor Berg's assignments, though sometimes long, sharpened my writing …Read more
Professor Berg brings an enthusiastic and relentless attitude towards Shakespeare. He is very energetic which always seems to lighten the mood of the class. Additionally, Berg is very personable and even hosted our class at his house twice. The grading relies heavily on three major essays, so make sure to perform well. The class exposed me to many different aspects of Shakespeare I never considered before such as the historical context; it really brings the plays to life as real events not just stories. Overall, I enjoyed the class and would take it again.
Professor Berg brings an enthusiastic and relentless attitude towards Shakespeare. He is very energetic which always seems to lighten the mood of the class. Additionally, Berg is very personable and even hosted our class at his house twice. The grading relies heavily on three major essays, so make sure to perform well. The class expo …Read more
To preface all of this, I would like to say that Professor Berg is a nice enough person who is legitimately an expert in his field. That being said, this class was shocking. The pacing was extremely inconsistent, he was not communicative with his expectations, and in general my classmates and I felt frustrated throughout the semester. On the bright side, most of us are good friends now and bonded from the collective trial that this class put us through.
To preface all of this, I would like to say that Professor Berg is a nice enough person who is legitimately an expert in his field. That being said, this class was shocking. The pacing was extremely inconsistent, he was not communicative with his expectations, and in general my classmates and I felt frustrated throughout the semester …Read more
I personally didn't enjoy the class. I felt like he was very inconsiderate towards freshman students, and doesn't accommodate to our needs. Also our in class discussions were not very helpful in aiding our writing.
terrible. took because of interest in shakespeare and left never wanting to read it again. prof is very enthusiastic about subject but is a horrible grader and gives bad feedback. class revolves around reading plays out loud which is of absolutely no help in writing essays.