Course description
Spring into Shakespeare
Spring into Shakespeare is a short course designed to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to study Shakespeare at postgraduate level. It develops a critical understanding of the playwright’s contribution to literary and theatrical history, and the place his works occupy in today’s cultural landscape.
Successful completion of the course may be used as an alternative qualification to those listed as entry requirements for the Shakespeare Institute MA programmes in Shakespeare Studies, Shakespeare and Theatre, Shakespeare and Education, and Shakespeare and Creativity.
This course is delivered by the Shakespeare Institute and features lecture content from leading scholars in Shakespeare Studies. Drawing on the University of Birmingham’s collaboration with the Royal Shakespeare Company, Spring into Shakespeare will also explore the playwright’s works from the perspective of a professional actor.
Upcoming start dates
Suitability - Who should attend?
Who is the course for?
This course is for those who wish to undertake MA-level study in Shakespeare but may not have the necessary qualifications for entrance to one of our programmes. It will also be of interest to people who are interested in the language and legacy of William Shakespeare more generally.
Entry requirements
A BA Hons in any subject OR professional experience of working with Shakespeare.
Outcome / Qualification etc.
What will you receive?
Spring into Shakespeare will allow you to focus on specific areas in order for you to develop your career in the way that you want to. The course is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge that are necessary to undertake a postgraduate degree in Shakespeare. These skills include:
- Analysing early modern plays
- Researching Shakespeare on the page and in performance
- Academic writing
- Academic referencing
- Discussing ideas in virtual seminars, one-on-one meetings, and in writing
You will learn from leading academics and theatre practitioners renowned for their work in the study and performance of Shakespeare. The course content will include lectures about key aspects of the playwright’s works, optional virtual seminars, discussion boards, and access to a wide range of resources.
A Certificate of Participation will be awarded to participants who contribute constructively to weekly discussions and exercises/assignments for the duration of the course.
Training Course Content
Each week will focus on a particular approach to studying Shakespeare:
Weeks 1 to 4
- Analysing Shakespeare’s language
- Defining genre
- Exploring early modern playing practices
- Shakespeare’s characters in contemporary performance
Weeks 5 and 6
- Using digital and physical resources to conduct research
- Academic writing and referencing
Expenses
Cost - £300
University of Birmingham
The University of Birmingham has been challenging and developing great minds for more than a century. Characterised by a tradition of innovation, research at the University has broken new ground, pushed forward the boundaries of knowledge and made an impact...