Understanding Shakespeare 101

Unlock the Timeless Genius of the Bard

Understanding Shakespeare 101

Unlock the Timeless Genius of the Bard

Unlock the magic of Shakespeare in "Understanding Shakespeare 101"--where the immortal words of the world's greatest playwright meet the inquisitive mind of tomorrow's thinker. Dive deeper than the mere surface of Shakespearean lore, as this essential course guides you through the mysterious corridors of history and the vibrant tapestry of his life and works. Crafted for the curious and ambitious, this journey transforms enigmatic texts into lively narratives that illuminate your path to understanding the human condition. Enroll now and be part of a transformative experience that promises not just to educate, but to inspire and empower. Expand your horizons with unparalleled insights that transcend time, only with us. Your exploration of the Bard's brilliance begins here.

Self Paced • Online Class • Accredited CEUs

$120

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OVERVIEW

CURRICULUM

Lesson 1. The Impact of Shakespeare's Works and Legacy

Shakespeare's diverse oeuvre spans comedies, tragedies, and histories, each offering distinct perspectives on human nature. His comedies, like 'Much Ado About Nothing', delight with humor and social satire, whereas tragedies probe deep emotional struggles, questioning fate and ambition.

Lesson 2. Shakespeare: Mystery and Reality

While celebrated for his legendary works, Shakespeare's personal life is a mosaic of uncovered records and mysteries steeped in assumptions. Despite this, his legacy continues to flourish, offering a rich tapestry of plays and poetry that endure through time.

Lesson 3. Renaissance Rebirth and Shakespeare's World

William Shakespeare's era of dramatic cultural evolution, born from the complex social changes of the Renaissance, paved new paths for artistic expression. Humanism, political transformations, and the flourishing Tudor arts scene provided fertile ground for his enduring influence.

Lesson 4. Shakespearean Comedy Unpacked

Through a spectrum of comedic styles, Shakespeare crafted narratives that entertain while challenging societal constructs, creating stories that transcend eras. Audiences are drawn to the balance of wit and wisdom in these tales, where laughter and reflection harmoniously coexist.

Lesson 5. Comedy Deconstructed: Much Ado About Nothing

Set in the Italian town of Messina, Shakespeare's comedy captures the essence of love and wit through mistaken identities and clever dialogue. As noble and military characters intertwine, humor arises from a tapestry of misunderstandings and pranks, resonating with audiences then and now.

Lesson 6. Delving Into the World of Shakespeare's Kings

The political intricacies in Shakespeare's histories may seem distant to modern audiences, yet they unravel timeless insights into leadership and the human condition. By drawing parallels between historical and contemporary political strategies, these plays underscore the enduring significance of ethical governance and power dynamics.

Lesson 7. Rise and Fall of Richard III

Richard's cunning manipulation and brutal rise in Shakespeare's 'Richard III' illustrate the destructive potential of ambition unrestrained by ethics, providing a mirror to similar patterns in contemporary political and corporate arenas. The play's timeless narrative warns of the perils and transient nature of power gained through deceit.

Lesson 8. The Lasting Impact of Shakespearean Tragedies

Central to Shakespearean tragedy is the depiction of internal and external conflicts that lead to catastrophic outcomes, as illustrated by Macbeth's ruinous ambition. The intertwining of personal turmoil with societal chaos invites contemporary audiences to consider the enduring impact of our internal and external struggles.

Lesson 9. The Heart of Hamlet: Exploring Tragic Themes

Hamlet stands as a powerful exemplar of classical tragedy, illustrating the universal human conflicts of identity, mortality, and justice through its intricate narrative and complex characters. Shakespeare delves into the psychological and philosophical depths of the human condition, inviting audiences to explore the timeless interplay between fate and free will.

Lesson 10. Sonnets of the Bard

William Shakespeare's sonnets, published in 1609, reveal his prowess in poetry, offering a profound exploration of themes like love, beauty, and mortality through a rigid structure of iambic pentameter. Despite their initial oversight compared to his plays, they remain timeless, influencing countless poets and enriching the English language and literature.

Lesson 11. Shakespeare's Sonnets: Profound and Timeless

The 'Fair Youth' sonnets praise an idealized young man's beauty and delve into the theme of immortalizing beauty through poetry, challenging the transient nature of life. This idea mirrors the artistry of works like the Mona Lisa, where beauty is preserved across centuries through artistic expression.

Lesson 12. Universal Themes in the Works of Shakespeare

By capturing the nuances of human emotion and existential dilemmas, Shakespeare's sonnets and plays offer insights into the universal human experience. His legacy persists as a beacon of linguistic richness and artistic exploration.

Lesson 13. Shakespeare: Your Continuous Exploration Awaits

Though the course offers a taste of Shakespeare's complex narratives and stylistic nuances, it beckons learners to dive further into the enigmatic world of the Bard. Key insights include understanding Shakespeare's societal backdrop, thematic intricacies and the timeless charisma of his prose and poetry.

In This Course

11 Hours average completion time
1.1 CEUs
13 Lessons
26 Exams & Assignments
16 Reference Files
Mobile Friendly
Last Updated June 2024

Description

Understanding Shakespeare is an introductory course on who is considered the greatest writer to have ever lived: William Shakespeare. The name is quite popular, but how much do we really know about his life and works? In this course, we will investigate Shakespeare the man, and Shakespeare the writer. In a contextual level, we will have a look at his life: how he became the most famous writer of all and what was happening around him, more specifically in Europe around that time. In regards to his work, this course will focus separately on his Comedies, Histories, Tragedies, and Sonnets. With each of these, we will identify common elements and recurring themes. Going further, we will then have a look at each of these genres practically, exemplifying our discoveries through Much Ado About Nothing, Richard III, Hamlet, and three selected sonnets. We will also look at some key facts that demonstrate Shakespeare's popularity and high acclaim, hoping to encourage you to dig deeper by sparking your interest and intriguing you with a fascinating course.

Skills You'll Develop

Societal construct examination
Historical context comprehension
Thematic interpretation skills
Dramatic structure understanding
Artistic legacy exploration
Ethical governance insights
Critical literary analysis
Poetic expression appreciation
Complex narrative evaluation

More About This Course

Grasp Political Intricacies: Unravel leadership themes in histories.
Explore Shakespeare's Mysteries: Uncover the enigma of his life.
Embrace Continuous Exploration: Invite a deeper dive into Shakespeare.
Master Comedic Styles: Challenge societal norms through laughter.
Analyze Much Ado: Discover love and humor in classic comedy.
Explore Tragic Themes: Delve into personal and societal conflicts.
Examine Richard III's Ambition: Reflect on power and ethics.
Appreciate Shakespeare's Sonnets: Discover beauty, love, and mortality.
Experience Renaissance Drama: Learn about Shakespeare's world and influence.
Unpack Hamlet's Complexities: Consider identity, mortality, and justice.
Understand Shakespeare's Legacy: Dive deep into his timeless impact.

What You'll Achieve

Describe how Shakespeare's work has influenced modern language and culture by identifying commonly used phrases originated from his plays.
Recognize the impact of Renaissance England on Shakespeare's works and identify the key cultural and historical influences on his plays.
Analyze different theories and assumptions about Shakespeare's 'lost years' and his transition from Stratford-upon-Avon to London, evaluating the credibility of each theory.
Identify key biographical events in William Shakespeare's life, such as his marriage, children, and involvement with The Lord Chamberlain's Men, using historical records.
Describe the role of Elizabethan theatre in shaping societal norms by examining how audiences from different social classes interacted with performances.
Analyze the influence of the Renaissance on Shakespeare's work by identifying specific historical and cultural changes that shaped his plays.
Identify and analyze the significance of dual plots and the role of comic relief characters in contributing to the humor and societal critique within Shakespeare's comedies.
Define the key characteristics of Shakespearean comedy, including narrative structure, humor styles, and thematic depth, through analysis of specific play examples.
Identify and compare the societal norms and personal desires depicted in 'Much Ado About Nothing' with modern romantic comedies to illustrate ongoing cultural commentary.
Define the key elements of Shakespearean comedy in 'Much Ado About Nothing,' including mistaken identity, witty dialogue, and love, through analysis of character interactions.
Analyze the historical and political contexts of Shakespeare's histories to evaluate their relevance and resonance for modern audiences.
Define the key themes and qualities that distinguish Shakespeare's historical plays from his other genres, focusing on leadership, morality, and human frailty.
Define how Shakespeare's portrayal of Richard III reflects the complexities of ambition and power, drawing parallels with contemporary leadership dynamics.