Exeter, United Kingdom

Rethinking Shakespeare: Beyond the Bard

when 2 July 2024 - 29 July 2024
language English
duration 4 weeks
credits 7.5 EC
fee GBP 1750

This module aims to explore the processes by which Shakespeare’s plays came into existence, how they achieved their unique status in English literature and culture, and how the image of the genius ‘Bard’ problematizes understandings of Shakespeare’s plays as part of Shakespeare’s own world and our own. Following global commemorative celebrations of the 400th anniversary of Shakespeare's death in 2016, the module will include examining issues that surround memorializing the dead, both in Shakespeare’s own time and our own.

The module focuses its attention upon A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Hamlet and The Tempest. Through a combination of play-specific classes, performance workshops, and classes dedicated to the details of historical context students will examine:

• the contexts of the plays’ initial production and reception
• the implications of Shakespearean and modern performance practices in understanding Shakespeare’s plays
• myths that have become associated with Shakespeare , the origin of such myths and their influence over contemporary engagements with Shakespeare’s plays

Guided by experts from Exeter University’s English and Drama Departments, students will encounter the nuances and richness available within the field of Shakespeare Studies, which a static image of the isolated Bard simply does not allow.

The course includes going to see a play at the world famous Globe Theatre in London which will help you put performance theory into practice and visit the home of Shakespeare himself; Stratford Upon Avon!
Key Texts
William Shakespeare, The Tempest
William Shakespeare, Midsummer Night’s Dream
William Shakespeare, Hamlet

Course leader

Dr Jo Esra

Target group

Undergraduate students with a GPA of 3.0 or above; postgraduate students with an interest in the subject are also welcome.

Course aim

To explore how Shakespeare’s plays came into existence, how they achieved their unique status and how the image of the genius ‘Bard’ problematizes understandings of his plays.

Fee info

GBP 1750: Tuition Fees, Registration Fee, On Campus Events, Field Trips
GBP 2000: Accommodation, Airport Transfer, Day Trips, Programme Transport, London Orientation Multi Day Trip

Scholarships

We offer a number of partial scholarships.