ENG 343:

This course introduces students to the most famous playwright and central figure in
English Literature: William Shakespeare. The course will begin with a panoramic
view of the period known as the Renaissance and outline the major concerns
Shakespeare dramatized in his plays. Viewed within the perspective of the 16th and
17th centuries, representative plays (one comedy and one tragedy, at least) will be
closely analysed to outline the salient features of Shakespeare’s dramaturgy and
treatment of issues of popular interest at the time. Language, characterization, plot,
and literary techniques employed in Shakespeare’s plays will be given special
attention for close analysis. Popular topics like racism, deception, playacting,
personality disorders, ambition, infidelity, hunger for power, misogyny and kingship
will be given due attention