Shakespeare (Spring/Winter 22)

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 analyzed 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.