Literature taster: Shakespeare
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- Start Date: 11 Sep 2025End Date: 11 Sep 2025Thu (Daytime): 10:30 - 12:30In PersonFull fee £19.00 Senior fee £15.00 Concession £12.00
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What is the course about?
This taster session course offers you the opportunity to explore aspects of two Shakespeare plays –the tragedy, Hamlet and the comedy, As You Like It - through brief tutor presentations, reading short passages, and group discussion, in a supportive and enjoyable atmosphere.
What will we cover?
You will be introduced to some of the thematic concerns of these plays through short scene studies. We will be exploring Shakespeare’s use of language and will also look at aspects of the plays in performance.
At the end of the session there will be a short overview of other Shakespeare courses in the Literature programme, and guidance should you wish to take your studies further.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
By the end of this course you should be able to...
-Begin to feel more confident about what is involved in the study of Shakespeare.
-Begin to feel more confident about approaching the language of Shakespeare.
-Begin to feel more confident about discussing the work of Shakespeare with others.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
The level of the course is introductory and no previous knowledge or experience of literature is necessary. Anyone with an interest in discussing literature is welcome.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
A variety of teaching methods will be used, including brief tutor-led slide presentations and readings of short extracts, and you will be invited to take part in group discussion.
A handout of short reading extracts will be emailed to you a few days before the start of the course by the lecturer and a paper copy will be provided on the day; you will find it helpful to read these in advance of the session. (As this is a taster session, you do not need to read the plays in advance for this class.).
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Please bring the handout of extracts that will be emailed to you a few days in advance of the class, and a pen and paper for notetaking.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Options for further study will be discussed at the end of the class. Look for our drama courses in the Literature Programme at www.citylit.ac.uk under History, Culture and Writing/Literature/Drama.
Sophie has taught Literature, Performing Arts and Interdisciplinary Arts and Humanities for over twenty years, working for the Open University, Leeds University, and a range of Adult Learning Institutions before joining City Lit. Previously she freelanced as a theatre and opera director in community theatre and at English National Opera. She has an MA in Nineteenth Century English and American Literature, and a PhD in Early Modern Life Writing. She brings both experience and enthusiasm to her work with adult audiences.
Please note: We reserve the right to change our tutors from those advertised. This happens rarely, but if it does, we are unable to refund fees due to this. Our tutors may have different teaching styles; however we guarantee a consistent quality of teaching in all our courses.