Shakespeare’s London

About

This module is a dynamic exploration of William Shakespeare’s London and literature inspired by and set in his city.

The module is designed to introduce you to the historical and cultural milieu of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century London through a variety of genres, including drama, prose, verse and broadside ballads.

Historical accounts, artefacts and maps will provide context to the rich material for critical reading offered by these texts.

You will learn about historical research methodologies while sharpening your literary close reading skills. You will work in group discussion seminars and individually on assignments, allowing you to demonstrate your knowledge, skills and understanding of Shakespeare’s London as we receive it through his works and those of his contemporaries.

The module will be taught with lectures, discussion seminars, skills workshops, group activities and excursions to historical sites associated with Shakespeare and his contemporaries such as playhouses, including a guided tour of the backstage areas of the Globe Theatre and a live performance of one of Shakespeare’s plays.

Week one:
The City Celebrated
Introduction to sixteenth- and seventeenth-century City of London
London as a stage

Week two:
Early Modern Londoners
Ethnic diversity
Cross-dressing Londoners
Tragedies and city comedies

Week three
Exploring Mary 'Moll' Frith
Essay topics

Course leader

Dr Dana Key

Course aim

This module aims to:

- Provide a multigenetic exploration of the literatures about, or set in, London that were written and performed during William Shakespeare’s lifetime.
- Offer an overview of the historical and cultural milieu of sixteenth- and seventeenth-century London, using topographical evidence, historical artefacts and modern technologies that recreate soundscapes alongside primary literature.
- Develop an appreciation of early modern stagecraft and the practicalities of performance during Shakespeare’s career, supported by visits to many of the locations where his plays were staged.
- Build an understanding of historic demographics and explore recent scholarship that uncovers records showing London was far more diverse and multicultural than previously recognised.
- Provide guidance on evaluating early modern literature through a variety of perspectives, applying modern theoretical frameworks while considering historical context to understand how Shakespeare and his contemporaries were received in their own time.
- Strengthen critical reading skills that can be applied beyond English literature, alongside the development of robust historical research methodologies.
- Promote interactive learning with selected texts, encouraging discussion, debate and critical analysis.
- Enhance communication skills through presentational activities that foster clear strategies and the creation of audiovisual material

Fee info