Putting aftermarket shocks on stock springs would be very far from pointless. Shocks actually have more of an influence on how the car handles than springs do. So you can indeed increase the handling ability of the car while keeping the stock shocks.

However, you will still get the most benefit by upgrading both your springs and your shocks. If you don't want to lower the car that much you can look at a spring like H&R OE Sport which will give you a firmer spring rate and very little lowering, like 0.5 inches. Combine those with some good shocks and you will get a pretty solid package.

Depending on how much money you want to spend there are plenty of options for shocks. Koni Reds (a.k.a. Special) are a good upgrade shock that don't cost too much money, there are other choices out there too.