Shakespeare's Sonnets
Shakespeare's 'Nasty' Sonnets Of the love triangle that structures William Shakespeare’s enigmatic series of sonnets, Stephen Booth has quipped: “Shakespeare was almost certainly homosexual, bisexual, or heterosexual.” Of the 154 poems, most people know only one or two of the most innocent (“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”), but the series as a whole has scandalized prudish readers for centuries with its confessions of heterosexual lust, homoerotic love, envy, jealousy, misogyny, racism, abjection, pride, and some moping—all in some of the most exquisite verse ever composed in English. In this course we will examine, discuss, and write about the language of Shakespeare's sonnets and their literary historical context as well as the range of critical theories (and sometimes utterly wacky notions) about their mysterious contents, including those from the likes of Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw, and William Wordsworth. This is a feminist, queer-friendly, sex-positive course.
Shakespeare's 'Nasty' Sonnets Of the love triangle that structures William Shakespeare’s enigmatic series of sonnets, Stephen Booth has quipped: “Shakespeare was almost certainly homosexual, bisexual, or heterosexual.” Of the 154 poems, most people know only one or two of the most innocent (“Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?”), but the series as a whole has scandalized prudish readers for centuries with its confessions of heterosexual lust, homoerotic love, envy, jealousy, misogyny, racism, abjection, pride, and some moping—all in some of the most exquisite verse ever composed in English …Read more
I agree most some of the issues outlined by my class mates, though they might not recur in a non-FYSE course, since I think most of the issues came from him attempting to be an unwanted advisor. For a college writing course only having to write ~4000 words was nice, and Billings sort of took all of the difficult assignments out of the course. The essays are basically written for you in class aren't really literary analysis, you just have to do the citation and typing. He's very interested in Shakespeare and if you have interest and prior-knowledge you will find his pseudo-lectures very interesting. He provides automatic extensions for already feasible deadlines, and most of the time the homework is just to read a few sonnets. Biggest complaint was the fact that it was half a public-speaking which would have been nice to know from the onset.
I agree most some of the issues outlined by my class mates, though they might not recur in a non-FYSE course, since I think most of the issues came from him attempting to be an unwanted advisor. For a college writing course only having to write ~4000 words was nice, and Billings sort of took all of the difficult assignments out of th …Read more
This Professor is horrible. He is condescending and unfair in his grading. He gets too personal with students and pretends to know them. He is an unfair grader. He pretends to be an ally to marginalized communities but in actuality, he is a bully. If you see his name on a course RUN!
Professor Billings is enthusiastic about the course and very knowledgeable about all things Shakespeare. However, his grading is nit-picky and usually unhelpful. His interaction with students is strange - If you are a white cis male he's the professor for you, but any LGBTQ+, POC, etc. may find him overbearing. By trying to be inclusive he comes off as overly so, making strange comments and personal assumptions towards myself and my peers.
Professor Billings is enthusiastic about the course and very knowledgeable about all things Shakespeare. However, his grading is nit-picky and usually unhelpful. His interaction with students is strange - If you are a white cis male he's the professor for you, but any LGBTQ+, POC, etc. may find him overbearing. By trying to be inclus …Read more
Don't take this class unless you really enjoy Shakespeare. The instructor really loves the Sonnets, and will expect you to do the same. Alot of presenting and lectures. The lectures can be a bore, and sometimes a bit confusing since he talks alot.But if you love Shakespeare and can manage to do several readings take it.
The content of this course is really interesting if you love Shakespeare/ find it interesting. Billings tends to nitpick work to death, and tends to talk through what are supposed to be seminar classes. This professor has been known to make odd comments (not blatantly discriminatory, just weird) to minorities, and tends to judge women/people of color differently from his white male students. Will act like he knows you and your life and made strange assumptions about your personal life. Even if you get a good grade, his comments are often highly critical regardless. However, he is passionate and knowledgeable as a professor
The content of this course is really interesting if you love Shakespeare/ find it interesting. Billings tends to nitpick work to death, and tends to talk through what are supposed to be seminar classes. This professor has been known to make odd comments (not blatantly discriminatory, just weird) to minorities, and tends to judge wome …Read more