Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/shakespeare-twelfth-night-comedy-community-applied
If you’ve ever found yourself enamored with Shakespeare’s intricate tales of love, humor, and human folly, then the Coursera course, ‘William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night: Comedy, Conflict, and Community’, is a must-take. This course immerses participants into the world of one of Shakespeare’s most celebrated comedies while providing insights that are both scholarly and practical.
At the outset, the course offers a comprehensive introduction to ‘Twelfth Night’, giving a broader context to its carnivalesque elements through expert interviews and engaging lectures. The faculty from the University of Colorado Boulder, alongside actors from the 2019 Colorado Shakespeare Festival production, offer a vivid portrayal of Shakespeare’s artistic vision, enhancing your understanding of the play’s humor and language.
Several modules make up the curriculum, each thoughtfully crafted to explore different facets of the play:
1. **Twelfth Night and the World of the Play** examines the atmosphere of the narrative universe and its historical context.
2. **Desire, Identity, and Chaos** dives into the psychological themes of love and desire that drive the characters toward their often chaotic fates.
3. **Class, Comedy, and Conflict** addresses social dynamics and the conflicts that arise from unfulfilled desires, particularly reflected in the interactions of minor characters.
4. **Twelfth Night and the Limits of Comedy** challenges conventional comedy norms, drawing attention to those characters who remain on the periphery of joy, even amidst the celebratory marriages at the play’s end.
5. Finally, the module on **Applied Shakespeare in the Community** serves as a fascinating case study, reinterpreting the play in the context of modern community issues, particularly the story of Malvolio and its relevance to contemporary dialogues about violence and inclusion.
For those eager for a deeper dive, the optional bonus module provides full-length interviews with actors, delivering additional nuggets of wisdom and perspective.
Overall, the course not only enlightens students about Shakespeare’s comedic genius but also prompts deeper reflections on humanity, societal norms, and the conflicts inherent within them. Whether you’re a Shakespeare aficionado or a curious newcomer, this course is an outstanding academic journey worth undertaking.
I highly recommend this course for anyone looking to enhance their appreciation of Shakespeare while gaining fresh insights into timeless human themes.
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/shakespeare-twelfth-night-comedy-community-applied