Shakespeare

Open to: Seniors
Length: 1 Semester

This elective course is designed as an elementary introduction to the life, times, and works of William Shakespeare. It includes research for and lectures on the philosophical, social, and political climate of the English Renaissance—the exciting and creative Elizabethans. Students must participate in discussions of themes, characters, plots, subplots, dramatic architecture, imagery, mood, and critical passages. Students’ contributions must be based on their own intelligent and careful analysis of the plays and sonnets. Readings come from Shakespeare’s tragedies, comedies, and sonnets. Apart from Hamlet, all other plays are based on the teacher’s discretion, sometimes dependent on performances available at area theatres. The overriding and extravagant aim of this course is to create life-long love for the Bard of Avon.