Enroll Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/understanding-shakespeare/
For many, the name Shakespeare conjures images of dusty textbooks and impenetrable language. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or someone who dreads encountering iambic pentameter, navigating the works of the Bard can be a daunting task. Fortunately, Udemy’s “English Literature: Understanding Shakespeare” course, taught by a Queen’s University Belfast graduate with a stellar track record in literature education, offers a compelling solution.
This comprehensive course promises to demystify Shakespeare’s life, language, and the historical and literary contexts that shaped his iconic plays and poetry. The instructor, already a best-selling author of other literature courses on Udemy, brings a wealth of knowledge and a clear passion for the subject. Their academic credentials, coupled with a genuine enthusiasm for guiding students, make them an ideal companion for this journey into Shakespeare’s world.
The course structure is meticulously designed to provide a deep dive into Shakespeare’s oeuvre. It begins with an exploration of his life, the evolution of his language, and the socio-historical backdrop against which his works were created. From there, the course delves into a remarkable selection of his plays and poems. For each text, the instructor promises to cover its sources, background, publication details, a thorough synopsis, an analysis of its central themes, and commentary on key passages. To further enhance understanding and engagement, the course also highlights significant productions, offering students avenues to experience Shakespeare’s work visually. Each video concludes with reflective questions, encouraging personal interpretation and critical thinking.
The sheer breadth of texts covered is impressive, including beloved tragedies like ‘Hamlet,’ ‘Othello,’ ‘King Lear,’ ‘Macbeth,’ and ‘Romeo and Juliet,’ alongside comedies such as ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost,’ ‘Much Ado About Nothing,’ ‘Twelfth Night,’ and ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream.’ The course also tackles historical plays like ‘Henry IV Parts I and II,’ ‘Henry V,’ and ‘Richard III,’ as well as lesser-known but equally fascinating works and his poetry, including ‘The Sonnets.’
The instructor’s promise to guide us through “treachery and intrigue, enchanted forests, the Roman forum, shipwrecks, mystical islands and the English court” paints a vivid picture of the immersive experience awaiting students. Meeting kings, jesters, fairies, and star-crossed lovers becomes an accessible adventure rather than an academic chore.
For anyone who has ever struggled with Shakespeare or simply wishes to deepen their appreciation, this course is a highly recommended investment. The instructor’s expertise, combined with Udemy’s 30-day money-back guarantee, makes it a risk-free opportunity to “know the Bard.”
Enroll Course: https://www.udemy.com/course/understanding-shakespeare/