Shakespeare Immersion Programme

All the world's a stage,
And all the men and women merely players…

--William Shakespeare, As You Like It

This course will start from the assumption that Shakespeare is a poet and dramatist whose work is exciting and vibrant for us today. We’ll approach Shakespeare from a variety of directions -- personal, literary-critical, historical, and political -- engaging with great themes of Shakespeare's drama and verse through reading some of his best works. Students will explore the plays through a variety of means, including film, reader's theatre, and brief lectures, although the focus of this course will be class discussions. No expertise in or previous knowledge of “The Bard” or literary analysis is necessary as this course seeks to develop and heighten individual response to texts, and improve enjoyment in reading and discussing literature in general.

Course Structure

Week 1

"Words Are Very Rascals"
Love, Wit and Foolery in the Comedies

In this first week, will focus on the way in which both form and content in Shakespeare's comedies attribute to their exploration of humour and human nature. In addition, students will begin think about the ways in which tragedy and comedy in Shakespeare's work interpenetrate. Topics of discussion may include questions like: Is there a dark side to Shakespeare's comedies? What are the roles of men and women? How funny do we find the comedies today?

Monday: General comments on Shakespeare, discussion on comedy. Readers Theatre: A Midsummer Night's Dream. Homework: read the play. 

Tuesday: Discussion of major themes in MSND. Close reading of portions of the text. Discussion of themes of identity, fantasy and farce. Screening of a selected portion of RSC production of MSND. Homework: prepare Much Ado about Nothing. 

Wednesday: Discussion of the roles of men and women and their relation to the comic effects of Much Ado. Close reading of portions of the text. Homework: Twelfth Night. 

Thursday: Discussion of folly, gender and class in Twelfth Night. Close reading of portions of the text. Screening of portions of Twelfth Night. Homework: The Tempest. 

Friday: Discussion: Is The Tempest tragedy or comedy? How might it incorporate aspects of both? Analysis of major characters and the role of song. Discussion of the comedies in general. Are there certain comic types which we have seen Shakespeare exploit

Homework: Othello.

Week Two

The Tragic Flaw: Shakespeare's Tragedies

In this week we will attempt to build on the knowledge which we gained in week 1 through examining some of Shakespeare's greatest tragedies. We will attempt to discuss the ways in which Shakespeare gives the audience a sense of pathos. Major topics of discussion may include questions like: What is the role of Fate in the tragedies? In what way are they similar or different from the comedies? What is the role of folly, greed or lust in the tragedies? How does a tragedy turn into a comedy (if at all)?

Monday: Discussion of race, desire and pride in Othello. Close reading of selected sections. Discussion of the structure of the play. Homework: prepare Macbeth.

Tuesday: Discussion of Fate and choice in Macbeth. If Shakespeare's tragic characters have "tragic flaws"? What is the difference between Macbeth and Othello? Homework:  King Lear.

Wednesday: Discussion of the role of Lear, his daughters and the Fool. Comparison with the previous tragedies. Reading of selected portions. Readers Theatre. Screening of portions of RSC King Lear. Homework: Hamlet.

Thursday: Discussion of the tragic individual in Hamlet. Discussion of the dramatic monologue. Who is more tragic -- Hamlet or Ophelia? Opportunity to give a Reader’s Theatre performance of one or more dramatic monologues. Homework: read a selection of the sonnets and (if desired) attempt to write one.

Friday: Discussion of the sonnet form. Is there a narrative in the sonnets? What can we learn about Shakespeare from the sonnets? Do the sonnets involve themselves with any of the themes which we have discussed? Closing remarks.

Notes

This is one of our adult courses, which constitute part of the Academy's continuing education division. We offer summer courses in literature, science, philosophy, psychology, music, art. film, and architecture. New courses are frequently added to the website, so if this course does not match your requirements, keep checking the website. In addition, we can make tailor-made courses to suit your requirements - just email us at admin@oxford-royale.co.uk, and let us know what you are looking for.

Accommodation

Students stay in Wadham College, one of the most traditional Oxford University colleges. Located right in the centre of city, Wadham is near all the famous colleges and museums, which makes it ideal for an inspiring study break! The Wadham College website contains practical information about your stay.

Excursions – Oxford Based

Included in the course fees, is a full schedule of sightseeing activities and social events in the city of Oxford. For a sample timetable go to www.oxford-royale.co.uk/tours2007.html and view the Corpus Christi timetable.

Excursions - Outside Oxford

Students wishing to travel outside Oxford, can visit places of historic interest, such as London, Hay-on-Wye, Bath and Blenheim Palace. These tours are an additional cost to the standard programme.

Application

You can either book online or you can download a paper application form and send it back to us.

If you require any support, please either email us or give us a call on +44 (0) 845 130 60 21.

Deposit

There is a booking deposit of £395.00 to accompany your application. Confirmation of your place will be sent to you once your application form has been processed.