This class is designed for students interested in becoming familiar (or more familiar) with a selection of Shakespeare's plays. It is organized according to genre: two comedies (Comedy of Errors, Midsummer Night's Dream); two tragedies (Hamlet, King Lear); two histories, one Roman (Julius Caesar) and one English (Richard II); and two tragi-comedies (Winter's Tale, The Tempest). The class will work to get back to Shakespeare's early modern playtexts by raising issues which are still critical today, regarding freedom and bondage, self and other, rule and anarchy, guilt and punishment. Classes will follow a lecture format, though questions and comments are encouraged. Midterm, final exam, one paper, and occasional class exercises are required.