On this 11-week course you will study, in depth, three works by Shakespeare: a comedy, a tragedy, and a selection of sonnets.

Course overview

The aim of this course is to introduce you to the works of William Shakespeare in their literary and historical contexts. During the course, you will study three of Shakespeare's works in depth:

• A comedy (Much Ado About Nothing)
• A tragedy / history (Richard III)
• The sonnets (selected)

The course will enable you to make connections between Shakespeare's works and their historical, political, social, philosophical, religious, national, literary, artistic and theatrical contexts.

Course timetable

The course runs from Thursday 6 February to Thursday 1 May 2025, 11:15 to 13:05 (week 19 to week 31 in Semester 2 2024/25).

Classes take place in person on campus. There will be no classes during Easter vacation on weeks 28 and 29.

Before signing up, please make sure that the day and time of the course do not clash with your academic timetable by checking MyTimetable.

The benefits of this course

Taking this course gave me the opportunity to learn more about one of the great writers, literature in general, and beyond. It made Shakespeare’s texts very approachable and the opportunity to study in this field in an academic environment was very welcome. The course was engaging, looking at different adaptations in a variety of mediums, with insights into the English language and the historical context of Shakespeare’s works. The atmosphere was very open, friendly and alive with a good balance between input and interaction. We developed important academic skills, including giving presentations, taking part in discussions and writing essays. I am more than glad that I took this course and recommend it to anyone coming to the University of Bath. Jacob, British Studies: Shakespeare student 2023-24

Taking an elective course allows you to build a network of peers beyond those on your core course. It also provides a breadth of knowledge and experiences that reach beyond your core subject; you will be taught by specialist teachers in small groups, allowing you to really explore the subject matter in detail, with highly expert teachers to guide you.

Learning outcomes

At the end of this course you will be able to:

• Identify characteristics of Shakespearean genres
• Make connections between Shakespeare's works and their historical, political, social, philosophical, religious, national, literary, artistic and theatrical contexts
• Analyse Shakespeare's use of language
• Identify source material for Shakespeare's work
• Discuss Shakespeare's plays as both texts and theatrical performance pieces
• Engage critically with perspectives on Shakespeare’s works

You will build your skills in a number of areas, including:

• Introducing researched material to other students
• Applying a variety of methods of critical analysis to texts
• Effectively delivering seminar presentations and leading discussions
• Identifying and critically evaluating pertinent secondary literature
• Researching and writing an appropriately structured critical essay

Taking the course for credit

This course carries five credits. To be awarded credits, a minimum of 80% attendance is required.

Information for home institutions

This elective course has been rigorously designed, and approved by the University of Bath Academic Registry. We strongly encourage visiting and exchange students to build networks and experience learning beyond their core course, and this credit-bearing course is an excellent way for them to do that.

The course is assessed via the following framework:

• Presentation (33%)
• Research essay (33%)
• Exam (34%)

The Unit Board will convene at the end of the semester to review assessments and recommend results accordingly.

You can read the full syllabus for the course in our Unit Catalogue.

How to enrol

If you're already enrolled at the University, you can book a place on this course via MySkills.

If you have not yet arrived at the University but would like to join this course, please complete this form so that we can send you all the information you need when you arrive.