What is the course about?
We shall examine the plays inspired by myths and history from Ancient Greece and Rome. We shall be looking at the plots of these briefly before examining the sources of Shakespeare’s inspiration and the background to the characters included in the works and others referred to.
This is a live online course. You will need:
- Internet connection. The classes work best with Chrome.
- A computer with microphone and camera is best (e.g. a PC/laptop/iMac/MacBook), or a tablet/iPad/smart phone/iPhone if you don't have a computer.
- Earphones/headphones/speakers.
We will contact you with joining instructions before your course starts.
What will we cover?
Shakespeare and the Greeks: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Two Noble Kinsmen, Troilus and Cressida, Timon of Athens, Pericles Prince of Tyre, Venus and Adonis, The Tempest, Love’s Labour’s Lost
Shakespeare and the Romans: Rape of Lucrece, Coriolanus, Comedy of Errors, Julius Caesar, Antony and Cleopatra, Cymbeline, Titus Andronicus.
What will I achieve?
By the end of this course you should be able to...
- Recall some of the myths and stories from Ancient Greek and Roman history that were sources of information for Shakespeare;
- Recognise how and why Shakespeare included these myths in his plays.
What level is the course and do I need any particular skills?
This is an introductory course and does not assume any previous study or reading although you will need a good grasp of English to keep up with the course. An open mind and a willingness to listen to and think about views with which you do not always agree are more important than specific levels of skills.
How will I be taught, and will there be any work outside the class?
Illustrated lectures, discussions, questions, reading and analysis of original texts (in translation).
Are there any other costs? Is there anything I need to bring?
Pen and paper.
When I've finished, what course can I do next?
Any other Ancient Civilisation classes. See website for details.
