ENG 353 - Advanced Studies in Shakespeare

What did “black” mean in Shakespeare’s time? What does it mean today? What does Shakespeare have to offer readers today concerning racial justice and its intersections? This seminar examines the language and work of race and racism in the world through the lens of Shakespeare. In addition to exploring race and racism in Shakespeare’s plays, we will also examine these issues in modern adaptations by Black writers, and how its construction is complicated by issues of class, gender, ethnicity, and sexuality. Discussions and essays will pair literary readings with theory and criticism to develop an evolving vocabulary to interpret and critique the complexity of race. This course, moreover, builds upon introductory knowledge of Shakespeare, drama, literary theory, and/or critical race studies while offering a refresher to each of these.

Anticipated Terms Offered: Periodically