Shakespeare's Peers & Rivals: Meet the "Other Guys" in Elizabethan Theatre

This is a reading and conversational class that will study 4 major plays outside of Shakespeare's canon:
"The Old Wive's Tale" a comedy by George Peele
"Love's Sacrifice" a tragicomedy by John Ford
"The Scornful Lady" a comedy by Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher
"Doctor Faustus" a supernatural tragedy by Christopher Marlowe

Not only will we read and analyze these plays, but each class will include a discussion of how these plays impacted and were influenced by the English Renaissance. We will also touch on each playwright's relationship with the famous bard, Shakespeare himself, during the discussion of each play. There is no requirement to be familiar with any of these writers (or even Shakespeare)! We will have open discourse about these shows, read them aloud, and watch some professional interpretations of pivotal scenes. The class culminates with an independent project around a topic proposed by the student.

Week 1 - Introduction to Elizabethan Theatre; introduction to George Peele; begin "The Old Wives Tale"
Week 2 - Conclude "The Old Wive's Tale;" introduction to project; introduction to John Ford; begin "Love's Sacrifice"
Week 3 - Conclude "Love's Sacrifice;" project proposals
Week 4 - Introduction to Francis Beaumont and John Fletcher; begin "The Scornful Lady;" project check-in
Week 5 - Continue and conclude "The Scornful Lady;" project check-in; introduction to Christopher Marlowe; begin "Doctor Faustus"
Week 6 - Continue "Doctor Faustus;" project check-in; resource discussion
Week 7 - Conclude "Doctor Faustus;" discuss through-lines
Week 8 - Project presentations and completion certificates given

Example class covenant:
-We welcome and affirm learners of all abilities and all walks of life.
-We understand that our differences in opinion and learning style can lead to more dynamic learning.
-We will not tolerate hate speech, bullying, and other negative behavior toward each other.
-We will follow the classroom guidelines for Outschool that are there to keep us safe and geared toward learning.
-We will manage risk so that our class can be fun, safe, and fascinating!