Department of English

This course is a general survey of Shakespeare’s work that focuses especially on the interrelation of social and political issues within their historical contexts.  Beginning with texts that display primarily “domestic” concerns, we will explore early modern gender roles, problems with love and marriage, and conflicts between parents and children.  Next, we will read texts that display primarily “dynastic” concerns such as conflicts over succession, tyranny, rebellion, and regicide.  Finally, we will attempt to collapse the distinction between domestic and dynastic by analyzing plays where these social and political issues are deeply enmeshed.