Welcome to ENG 2506: Shakespeare. The main purpose of this module is to familiarize you with the text of a Shakespearean play. It is intended to help you understand and appreciate the Shakespearean image of life, which is at once realistic and timeless. Through close engagement with the text of the play under study, you will be given immense opportunity to refine your language by drawing on the vast resource of Shakespearean language. You will be able to evaluate the greatness of Shakespeare as England’s greatest playwright and also his influence on the growth and development of drama till the present time. AIMS OF THE MODULE On completion of this module, you will be able to: - discuss the concept of drama - discuss the origin of English drama - describe the characteristics of Shakespearean romantic comedy with particular reference to The Tempest - discuss the salient features of Shakespearean drama - critically discuss the situations, characters and experiences delineated in The Tempest PRESCRIBED READING The only Shakespearean play that you are required to read for this module is The Tempest text edited by Roma Gill.