Department of English

This class is designed for students interested in exploring Shakespeare's dramatic art.  We will read eight of Shakespeare’s plays in order to explore how they ask profound questions about power, kingship, men and women, foreign-ness and travel, race, sexuality, laughter, land and property, servitude and freedom. We will do so by examining their historical context as well as their form, their use of language, how they use theatrical space, and how they entertain their audiences, both in Shakespeare’s own day, and now.

Classes will consist of two lectures and one recitation per week. Requirements: regular attendance, recitation exercises, midterm exam, and final exam.