Shakespeare's Afterlives: Adaptation and Appropriation

(3 Credit Hours) · Undergraduate

In the four centuries since Shakespeare’s plays were first performed at The Globe theatre, his works have travelled to the farthest reaches of our globe. Shakespeare’s plays have long been labelled ‘universal’; the playwright has also long held the title of England’s ‘national poet’. Are these two characterizations in conflict? Does Shakespeare’s Englishness matter? Why has Shakespeare, more than any other playwright, transcended national, cultural, and linguistic boundaries and borders? Looking towards these questions, this course will survey Shakespeare’s legacy on the stage and page, asking students to interrogate what it means to adapt or appropriate the plays in specific times, places, and cultural contexts. Across the semester students will read a selection of Shakespeare’s plays and engage with key adaptations and appropriations of them in text, art, film, and live performance. This course will allow students to develop their skills in critical discussion, analysis, close reading, and writing. Course work will include short writing assignments, an in-class presentation, a creative assignment, and a final research paper.