Shakespeare: Hamlet, Macbeth, King Lear

About this course

The course studies three Shakespeare tragedies, considering themes including power, ambition, authority, revenge, ageing, grief, madness, family, gender and sexuality. Close reading of Shakespeare’s language is combined with critical and historical perspectives to explore the plays’ original contexts and continuing relevance. Teaching includes short tutor-led presentations, readings of extracts, performance clips and comparison of the plays in performance. Group discussion is also part of the course, allowing participants to examine different interpretations of the texts.

What you'll learn

• Analyse selected passages from the plays with attention to Shakespeare’s language.
• Examine how the tragedies address themes such as power, ambition, grief, family and madness.
• Use critical and historical perspectives to inform readings of the plays.
• Compare aspects of Hamlet, Macbeth and King Lear in performance.

Is this course right for you?

The course is open to learners at all levels and does not require prior knowledge of Shakespeare’s plays. Participation involves tutor-led study, reading short extracts and contributing to group discussion.

• Learners will need to engage with all three plays in full during the course.

Before you go

• Buy or borrow copies of Hamlet, Macbeth and King Lear to read in full; Arden Shakespeare Third Series editions are recommended.
• Bring a pen and paper for note-taking.
• A digital handout of extracts will be shared before the course, with paper copies provided in class.