Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/shakespeare-twelfth-night-comedy-community-applied
As a lifelong admirer of the Bard, I’m always on the lookout for engaging ways to revisit his timeless works. Recently, I stumbled upon Coursera’s “William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night: Comedy, Conflict, and Community,” and I can confidently say it exceeded all my expectations. This course is an absolute gem for anyone looking to go beyond a surface-level reading of Shakespeare and truly understand the layers of his genius.
The course is expertly structured, taking you through the play module by module. We begin with “Twelfth Night and the World of the Play,” which immediately immerses you in the play’s unique atmosphere. The inclusion of interviews with actors from the Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s 2019 production was a stroke of brilliance. Hearing directly from those who brought the characters to life offered invaluable insights into Shakespeare’s artistic vision and its practical application. The lectures by scholars and theater professionals from the University of Colorado Boulder were equally enlightening, dissecting the play’s humor, language, and historical context with impressive clarity.
What truly sets this course apart is its exploration of the psychological depth within “Twelfth Night.” The module “Desire, Identity, and Chaos in Twelfth Night” delves into Shakespeare’s understanding of human emotion, particularly the follies and tumult that love can create. It’s fascinating to see how the play revels in this collective madness, and the course guides you through every twist and turn.
“Class, Comedy, and Conflict in Twelfth Night” then brilliantly unpacks how social hierarchies and forbidden desires fuel the play’s central conflicts. The dynamic between characters like Malvolio and Sir Toby Belch is examined with a keen eye, revealing how desire, when thwarted, inevitably leads to confrontation. This module also touches upon the darker undertones that coexist with the humor, adding a rich complexity to the narrative.
Furthermore, “Twelfth Night and the Limits of Comedy” is a masterclass in analyzing genre conventions. The course expertly highlights how Shakespeare both adheres to and subverts the typical comedic structure, particularly in the play’s resolution. While marriages are celebrated, the exclusion of certain characters from these happy endings is a poignant reminder of the unresolved tensions that linger.
Perhaps one of the most impactful modules was “Applied Shakespeare in the Community: A Case Study.” This section showcased how “Twelfth Night” can be reinterpreted for contemporary audiences, using the Colorado Shakespeare Festival’s “Shakespeare in the Schools” project as a prime example. Exploring Malvolio’s story as a platform for discussing community and violence felt incredibly relevant and thought-provoking.
For those who want to dive even deeper, the optional bonus module featuring full-length actor interviews is a treasure trove of additional insights. While not required, these extended conversations provide an even richer understanding of the play and its performance.
In conclusion, “William Shakespeare’s Twelfth Night: Comedy, Conflict, and Community” is an outstanding course that offers a comprehensive and engaging exploration of one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. Whether you’re a student, an educator, or simply a Shakespeare enthusiast, this course will undoubtedly deepen your appreciation for the Bard’s enduring brilliance. Highly recommended!
Enroll Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/shakespeare-twelfth-night-comedy-community-applied