For Capstone option, contact advisor Mary Moore.

The world of Shakespeare’s tragedies and romances is wonderful, inspiring, dark, and twisted. While the tragedies portray love destroyed by fate, terrible errors, conflicts between laws and values, or bittersweet revenge, the romances take us to the brink of disaster and then seem to find resolution through the magical and the fantastic. In this course we will trace Shakespeare’s exploration of philosophical, ethical, and political problems in plays that end badly or that turn to a surreal world of art for happiness. Lofty, idealistic heroes and heroines will enact deeds of noble generosity or devious cruelty while we consider how Shakespeare’s drama relates to the history of the English Renaissance, particularly in terms of issues of gender and sexuality as well as racial and religious relations. By studying film versions alongside the plays themselves we also will explore the relationship of performance and adaptation to interpretation.

Assignments include a group scene revision, shorter response papers, and a research paper that will enhance your critical thinking, communication, and teamwork skills. Pre-req.: junior standing.