A11. How to Read Shakespeare

Curious about Shakespeare but uncomfortable reading his famous plays? Or are you a “Shakespeare Natural” who reads those plays with ease? This class is designed for those who want to learn how to read Shakespeare and those who already read him comfortably but want to know more:  the what, rather than how of his writing. We will explore Shakespeare's language, his sentence structure, his mastery of poetic form and dramatic technique and place his words within the times for which he wrote. Along the way, we will read together Romeo and Juliet. Our goal? For all students to feel empowered to read more Shakespeare!
Instructors:

Virginia Mason Vaughan is Professor Emerita and Research Professor of English at Clark University, where she taught for thirty-seven years. She has published widely on Shakespeare’s works, including co-editing The Tempest for the Arden Shakespeare. Since her retirement she has taught several courses at WISE, and especially enjoys co-teaching with Helen Whall

Helen Whall - After finishing her Ph.D. at Yale University, Helen joined the faculty at The College of the Holy Cross in Worcester, MA. There she taught Shakespeare and the Renaissance as well as modern drama, frequently writing on both subjects. Since retiring in 2017, Helen has offered several courses for WISE.

Required Reading: Romeo and Juliet, Folger edition