Overview

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This course offers an accessible introduction to the works of William Shakespeare, exploring why his poetry and plays continue to be read, performed, and debated around the world. Through guided close reading, historical context, and discussion activities, learners will build the confidence to engage with Shakespeare’s language, characters, and dramatic techniques in greater depth. Across five modules, you will examine Shakespeare’s sonnets and poetic style, explore how he wrote for the Elizabethan stage, and study major works including Hamlet, Henry IV, Part 1, Henry V, The Merchant of Venice, Macbeth, and As You Like It. You will learn how Shakespeare combines storytelling, theatricality, poetic language, and psychological insight to create works that still resonate today. The course combines short lecture videos, guided textual analysis, close-reading exercises, and interactive dialogue activities designed to deepen interpretation and discussion. By the end of the course, learners will be able to read Shakespeare with greater understanding, place his work in its historical context, and explain some of the key reasons for his enduring literary reputation.

Syllabus

Shakespeare’s Poetry

Begin with Shakespeare the poet. You’ll explore his sonnets, some of the most famous poems in English, and see what makes his language so powerful and memorable. Along the way, you’ll learn how poetry was shared in Shakespeare’s time and get to grips with key concepts like the sonnet form and iambic pentameter. By the end, you’ll be better equipped to read and enjoy Shakespeare’s distinctive style.

Shakespeare’s Theatre

Step onto the Elizabethan stage and explore four of Shakespeare’s plays that reflect on acting and performance. You’ll examine how characters present themselves and hide their true thoughts, bringing depth and complexity to the drama. You’ll also learn how theatre worked in Shakespeare’s time and how his plays connected with audiences from all walks of life.

Shakespearean History

Discover how Shakespeare brought English history to life. Focusing on Henry IV, Part 1, you’ll explore how he blends fact and fiction, seriousness and humour, to create rich and engaging drama. This module shows how stories from the past can still speak to modern audiences through themes of leadership, conflict, and identity.

Shakespearean Comedy

Explore Shakespeare’s comedies through The Merchant of Venice and A Midsummer Night’s Dream. You’ll learn how these plays follow and challenge the conventions of romantic comedy, raising deeper questions about justice, love, and morality. Expect humour, but also thought-provoking moments that complicate simple ideas of right and wrong.

Shakespearean Tragedy

Examine Shakespeare’s tragic genius through characters like Macbeth. You’ll explore what drives these figures and consider ideas such as the “tragic flaw.” This module also introduces how Shakespeare’s plays come to life in performance, helping you connect what you read on the page with what you see on stage or screen.