This course is designed to offer students an opportunity to broaden their understanding of the English Renaissance and to develop a critical appreciation of the work of major writers from the period. Areas of study will include texts from Elizabethan, Jacobean and Caroline periods. A number of key concepts will be introduced, such as 'Humanism', 'Metatheatre' and ‘Metaphysics’. We will also explore popular themes and topics which include love, sex, music, religion and order.

CILO-1: Paraphrase early modern English verse lines. CILO-2: Describe mainstream theatrical conventions of the English Renaissance theatre. CILO-3: Explain how language, genre and performance contribute to the meanings of a play. CILO-4: Formulate a coherent and well-structured essay by gathering and critiquing relevant primary and secondary materials. CILO-5: Work with team members and present selected scenes on a stage.