Shakespeare

This course introduces students to the most famous playwright and central figure in English
Literature: William Shakespeare. The course will begin with a panoramic view of the period
known as the Renaissance and outline the major concerns Shakespeare dramatized in his
plays. Viewed within the perspective of the 16th and 17th centuries, representative plays (one
comedy and one tragedy, at least) will be closely analysed to outline the salient features of
Shakespeare’s dramaturgy and treatment of issues of popular interest at the time. Language,
characterization, plot, and literary techniques employed in Shakespeare’s plays will be given
special attention for close analysis. Popular topics like racism, deception, playacting,
personality disorders, ambition, infidelity, hunger for power, misogyny and kingship will be
given due attention.