Shakespeare's Hamlet: The Ghost from edX

What's inside

Learning objectives

The many meanings of hamlet revealed through the central figure: the ghost of hamlet’s murdered father.
The historical context that shaped how shakespeare wrote the play and how his audiences interpreted it.
How to challenge the assumption that the play is only about revenge.

The importance of themes like remembrance, death, and mourning.
How the ghost has been interpreted on stage, on screen, and in writing.

The many meanings of hamlet revealed through the central figure: the ghost of hamlet’s murdered father.
The historical context that shaped how shakespeare wrote the play and how his audiences interpreted it.
How to challenge the assumption that the play is only about revenge.
The importance of themes like remembrance, death, and mourning.
How the ghost has been interpreted on stage, on screen, and in writing.

Syllabus

By the end of this unit, you will be able to:

Examine how Shakespeare sets the stage for Hamlet through the Ghost's dramatic appearance in the opening of the play

Situate the Ghost in the play's broader themes, motifs, and patterns of language

Discuss how Shakespeare builds on source materials, the work of other playwrights, and his own earlier plays in creating Hamlet

Assess different interpretations of what the Ghost "is," as well as how these interpretations are borne out in performance

Part 2: Imagining the Afterlife

In Part 2, we continue our reading with Acts 3-4 and look closely at the religious controversies following the Protestant Reformation.

Interpret Hamlet in the context of the English Reformation, evaluating its complicated legacy on institutional practices and individual beliefs

Examine the religious controversy of Purgatory during Shakespeare’s time as well as its significance for the Ghost and Hamlet

Discuss the relationship between rituals such as prayer, last rites, communion, and the purchase of indulgences with the theater

Apply historical and anthropological methods to Hamlet, considering what it says about death in its own time and throughout time

Part 3: The Theater of Mourning

As we finish reading the play, we weigh the idea that the play is "about" revenge with the idea that it is "about" remembrance.

Use primary source documents to understand ideas of death and mourning in the early modern period

Discuss how Shakespeare built upon the theatricality of mourning rituals to make Hamlet meaningful for its first audiences

Weigh the emphasis on revenge in the play with that on remembrance, which resonates with religious belief and practice

Assess different viewpoints on how Hamlet is universal and particular, depending on the context

**Part 4: TheTexts of _Hamlet

_ In Part 4, we turn to the earliest printed texts of the play, situating them in a broader understanding of early modern print and manuscript production. _

_**By the end of this unit, you will be able to:

Use primary documents to understand the mechanics of early modern print and manuscript culture

Analyze how different early texts of Hamlet shape how we understand and interpret the play

Connect Hamlet 's meditations on death and remembrance to the "life" of the play itself

Consider Hamlet 's impact on other texts through the examples of Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern are Dead and Dogg's Hamlet

Part 1: Spirit? Apparition? Illusion?In Part 1, we read Acts 1-2, analyzing how Shakespeare introduces the mysterious figure of the Ghost and builds up to Hamlet's encounter with it.

Good to know

Know what's good

, what to watch for

, and possible dealbreakers

Gives close attention to the significance of the Ghost figure in the play, exploring its different interpretations and historical contexts

Focuses on understanding the play's themes of death, mourning, and remembrance, providing a deeper appreciation of the play's emotional core

Taught by Stephen Greenblatt, a distinguished Harvard professor known for his expertise in Renaissance literature and Shakespeare studies

Suitable for both first-time readers of Hamlet and those seeking a deeper understanding of the play's complexities

Analyzes the various interpretations of the Ghost's character, offering insights into the play's theatrical power and cultural significance

Requires some familiarity with Hamlet or a willingness to read the play alongside the course material

Reviews summary

Engaging bard immersion

Learners say Professor Greenblatt's engaging lectures on Shakespeare's life and times bring Hamlet to life. While some learners wish the material was more substantial, most agree that this is a great course for literary enthusiasts.

Final assignment is peer-reviewed

"the final essay is peer-reviewed"

Based on discussion-forum based exercises

"The exercises are discussion-forum based, and rely on self-report"

Interesting and engaging lectures

"The material is engaging"

Taught by a leading Shakespeare specialist

"Professor Greenblatt has an incredible wealth of knowledge, of not only Shakespeare's plays, but of Shakespeare himself, and the life and times in which he existed."

"Imparted by one of the best specialists in Shakespeare nowadays"

May be too easy for some

"the only thing I could say against the course is that the difficulty to pass it is too low"

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Shakespeare's Hamlet: The Ghost with these activities:

Re-read seminal article on the Ghost in Hamlet

Show steps

Begin by getting your mind back into the Hamlet mindset by re-reading a seminal article on the Ghost in Hamlet.

Show steps

Locate a seminal scholarly article on the Ghost in Hamlet.
Read the article thoroughly and take notes on the author's main points.
Consider the author's arguments and how they might inform your own interpretation of the play.

Watch video lecture on the Historical Context of Hamlet

Show steps

Get a better understanding of the historical context of Hamlet by watching a video lecture on the subject.

Show steps

Locate a video lecture on the historical context of Hamlet.
Watch the lecture and take notes on the key points.

Review Stephen Greenblatt's Hamlet

Show steps

Gain a deeper understanding of the play by reading a book by expert Stephen Greenblatt.

View Second Chances: Shakespeare and Freud on Amazon

Show steps

Locate a copy of Stephen Greenblatt's Hamlet.
Read the book and take notes on the key points.
Consider Greenblatt's arguments and how they might inform your own interpretation of the play.

Four other activities

Expand to see all activities and additional details

Show all seven activities

Attend a peer-mentoring session with other students taking the course

Show steps

Get help from your fellow students and improve your knowledge by attending a peer mentoring session.

Show steps

Find a peer-mentoring session that is relevant to your needs.
Attend the session and actively participate in the discussion.
Ask questions, share your insights, and learn from others.

Write a blog post about the Ghost in Hamlet

Show steps

Solidify your understanding of the Ghost in Hamlet by writing a blog post about it.

Show steps

Brainstorm a topic for your blog post.
Research the topic and gather your thoughts.
Write a draft of your blog post.
Edit and revise your blog post.
Publish your blog post.

Answer questions about the course in the discussion forum

Show steps

Help others learn by answering questions about the course in the discussion forum.

Show steps

Identify a question that you can answer.
Write a thoughtful and helpful response.
Post your response to the discussion forum.

Create a study guide for the final exam

Show steps

Review all course materials and compile them into a study guide that you can use in preparation for the final exam.

Show steps

Gather all of your course materials.
Review the materials and identify the key concepts.
Organize the key concepts into a logical structure.
Write out your study guide.
Review your study guide regularly.

Career center

Learners who complete Shakespeare's Hamlet: The Ghost will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Actor

An Actor's essence is to bring characters to life on stage or on screen. In order to fully interpret a character, especially those that grapple with serious themes like life after death, it's essential to understand the broader historical context of a work. This course delves into the Ghost of Hamlet, a play that is deeply imbued with such themes. By studying the Ghost's role in the play and exploring the cultural and religious beliefs that shaped Shakespeare's work, this course can help an Actor develop a deep understanding of how to portray emotions, motivations, and experiences with authenticity and depth. A deeper understanding of where Shakespeare's plays originate from can significantly enrich an Actor's ability to captivatingly embody characters and stories.

See salaries and explore the career path for Actor

Author

Authors use words as their medium of artistic expression. Many Authors are fascinated by plays, and often engage with literary analysis and criticism in their own work. By studying the motivations behind the creation of a character like the Ghost in Hamlet, and by understanding the broader historical influences that shaped the play, one can understand how to create complex, compelling characters and develop a story that explores universal themes in a meaningful and engaging way.

See salaries and explore the career path for Author

High School English Teacher

High School English Teachers typically work with students in grades 9-12, where students are engaged with classic texts like Hamlet that explore complex themes. Teachers can use this course to improve their understanding of Hamlet so that they can, in turn, teach it better to their students. This course will help Teachers explore the Ghost in Hamlet, the historical context that shaped Shakespeare's writing, and the play's themes of death, mourning, and remembrance. This knowledge will allow Teachers to confidently guide their students through the complexities of the play, fostering a deeper appreciation for Shakespeare's work.

See salaries and explore the career path for High School English Teacher

Dramaturg

A Dramaturg is responsible for researching and providing context for a theatrical production. This course provides context on the historical background of Hamlet, the motivations and interpretations of the character of the Ghost, and the lasting impact of the play. By gaining a deeper understanding of these elements, a Dramaturg can create insightful and engaging programs, production notes, and other materials that help audiences understand and appreciate the play more fully.

See salaries and explore the career path for Dramaturg

College or University Professor

College and University Professors who specialize in literature may choose to teach courses on Shakespeare or on the literary era of his work. A deep understanding of Hamlet's Ghost and its historical context would enable a Professor to effectively teach this play to their students, providing insightful commentary, leading engaging discussions, and broadening their students' horizons in the study of literature, theater, and history.

See salaries and explore the career path for College or University Professor

Literary Agent

Literary Agents help bring stories to the world by representing Authors and their work. A Literary Agent with a keen interest in literature may work with Authors who are writing historical or literary fiction, and may need to have a detailed understanding of classic works like Hamlet to better understand their clients' work. By understanding the complexities of Hamlet, including the motivations and interpretations of the character of the Ghost, a Literary Agent can provide valuable guidance to Authors who draw inspiration from such classic works.

See salaries and explore the career path for Literary Agent

Poet

Poets express themselves through the written word, and many Poets draw inspiration from literature to craft their own unique verses. This course explores the complexities of Hamlet, delving into the character of the Ghost, the historical context of the play, and the enduring themes it explores. By gaining a deeper understanding of these elements, a Poet can enrich their own creative process, finding inspiration and insights that can inform their own poetic expressions.

See salaries and explore the career path for Poet

Curator

Curators oversee and manage collections of cultural or historical artifacts. Those who work in museums or libraries may need to have a deep understanding of influential works from theater, art, and literature. By delving into the character of the Ghost in Hamlet and exploring the play's historical context, this course will broaden a Curator's knowledge of classic literature. This understanding will not only enhance their ability to curate exhibits and write informative descriptions but also enable them to engage in meaningful conversations with visitors about the significance and impact of such works.

See salaries and explore the career path for Curator

Critic

Critics analyze and interpret works of art, literature, and culture. Those who focus on literature will benefit from a deep understanding of classic works like Hamlet. This course examines the character of the Ghost in Hamlet and explores the play's historical context. By gaining a deeper understanding of these elements, a Critic can develop a more informed and nuanced perspective when analyzing and evaluating literary works.

See salaries and explore the career path for Critic

Editor

Editors review, revise, and prepare written material for publication. Those who work in publishing may choose to focus on literature, and will thus need to have a strong understanding of classic works. By exploring the character of the Ghost in Hamlet and the play's historical context, this course can provide Editors with valuable insights into the complexities of literary works. This understanding will enable Editors to make informed decisions about the selection, editing, and presentation of literary content.

See salaries and explore the career path for Editor

Historian

Historians research, analyze, interpret, and write about the past. Many Historians specialize in a particular era or region, and those who focus on the Renaissance or early modern England will find this course particularly valuable. By examining the character of the Ghost in Hamlet and the play's historical context, this course provides a deeper understanding of the beliefs, values, and cultural practices of the time. This knowledge will enable Historians to produce more accurate and insightful accounts of the past.

See salaries and explore the career path for Historian

Journalist

Journalists write and report on current events and issues. Some Journalists may choose to specialize in the arts or culture, and will thus need to have a strong understanding of classic works like Hamlet. By exploring the character of the Ghost in Hamlet and the play's historical context, this course can provide Journalists with valuable insights into the enduring power and relevance of literature. This understanding will enable Journalists to write more informed and engaging articles about the arts and culture.

See salaries and explore the career path for Journalist

Lawyer

Lawyers advise and represent clients in legal matters. Some Lawyers may choose to specialize in intellectual property law, which involves the protection of creative works such as plays. By understanding the character of the Ghost in Hamlet and the play's historical context, this course can provide Lawyers with valuable insights into the legal issues surrounding the ownership, distribution, and interpretation of literary works. This understanding will enable Lawyers to provide more effective counsel to their clients in the field of intellectual property law.

See salaries and explore the career path for Lawyer

Archivist

Archivists collect, preserve, and make available historical documents and artifacts. Those who work in libraries or museums may need to have a deep understanding of influential works from theater, art, and literature. By delving into the character of the Ghost in Hamlet and exploring the play's historical context, this course will broaden an Archivist's knowledge of classic literature. This understanding will not only enhance their ability to curate collections and write informative descriptions but also enable them to engage in meaningful conversations with researchers and visitors about the significance and impact of such works.

See salaries and explore the career path for Archivist

Librarian

Librarians help people find and access information. Many Librarians specialize in a particular subject area, and those who focus on literature will find this course particularly valuable. By examining the character of the Ghost in Hamlet and the play's historical context, this course provides a deeper understanding of the complexities of literary works. This knowledge will enable Librarians to provide more informed assistance to patrons who are interested in literature.

See salaries and explore the career path for Librarian