OpenCourser brand icon
Sign in
We may earn an affiliate commission when you visit our partners.
Course image
Udemy logo

English Literature

Understanding Shakespeare

4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Based on 68 ratings
see reviews
Eve Williams MMus

After the success of my best selling English Literature and World Lterature courses, many students messaged me with questions about Shakespeare, a towering figure in world literaure. Maybe you love Shakespeare or maybe you have been forced to read his work to pass an exam or you just can't make headway with the language. Peace, gentle friend. This course is for you.

Read more

After the success of my best selling English Literature and World Lterature courses, many students messaged me with questions about Shakespeare, a towering figure in world literaure. Maybe you love Shakespeare or maybe you have been forced to read his work to pass an exam or you just can't make headway with the language. Peace, gentle friend. This course is for you.

We will look at Shakespeare's life, language and the historical and literary context of his works. We will then look at his plays and poetry. For each text we will look at its sources, background and publication then a synopsis, an analysis of its themes and a commentary on key passages, then look at key productions you may be able to access. The videos end with a series of questions for you to reflect on your perceptions of the play/poem.

Texts Covered:

· Hamlet

· Othello

· King Lear

· Macbeth

· Romeo and Juliet

· Love’s Labour’s Lost

· Much Ado About Nothing

· Twelfth Night

· As You Like It

· A Midsummer Night’s Dream

· Pericles

· The Winter’s Tale

· Cymbeline

· The Tempest

· Julius Caesar

· Antony and Cleopatra

· Titus Andronicus

· Coriolanus

· Henry IV Parts I and II

· Henry V

· Richard III

· Henry VIII

· All’s Well That Ends Well

· Measure for Measure

· Troilus and Cressida

· The Sonnets

· Venus and Adonis

· The Rape of Lucrece

As a graduate of the prestigious Queen;s University of Belfast with both an Honours degree and Master's in English, and as the teacher of the best selling English Literature course on Udemy, I am delighted to be your guide through this adventure of treachery and intrigue, enchanted forests, the Roman forum, shipwrecks, mystical islands and the English court where we will meet kings, jesters, fairies, soldiers, star-cross'd lovers and a guy with a donkey's head.

Don't stop to ask 'to be, or not to be'. Enroll today with no risk due to Udemy's 30 day money back guarantee.

Prithee, join us anon and thou shalt know the Bard.

Enroll now

What's inside

Learning objectives

  • Discover what made shakespeare one of the greatest writers in world literature
  • Understand shakespeare's language
  • Find out about the themes of his plays and poetry
  • Engage with modern and historical criticism of shakespeare's work
  • See shakespeare in his historical and literary contexts
  • Enjoy some of the most beautiful literature ever written
  • Quote shakespeare
  • Use the set discussion questions and resources to formulate your own reponse to the texts
  • Learn about shakespeare's tragedies, comedies, romances, historical playsl classical plays, problem plays and his long poems and sonnets
  • Should you choose, you can engage with other students and the instructor at the monthly book club
  • Excel at english literature tests and essays on shakespeare
  • Discover great resources for studying the work of shakespeare
  • Show more
  • Show less

Syllabus

Introduction
About Shakespeare
Shakespeare's Life
Shakespeare's Life and Times in Context
Read more

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Taught by someone with a Masters in English
Suitable for beginners who wish to learn the basics of Shakespeare's work
Provides a comprehensive overview of Shakespeare's major works
Guided by thought provoking discussion questions after each lecture
In-depth analysis of Shakespeare's themes, language, and historical context
This course covers a wide range of Shakespeare's works, from tragedies to comedies to historical plays

Save this course

Create your own learning path. Save this course to your list so you can find it easily later.
Save

Reviews summary

Comprehensive exploration of shakespeare's works

According to learners, this course offers a comprehensive and engaging journey into Shakespeare's world, making the Bard's often-challenging language remarkably accessible. Students consistently praise the instructor's passion, expertise, and clear delivery, which transforms complex texts into understandable and enjoyable lessons. The course provides invaluable historical and literary context for a vast array of plays and poems, with particular highlights on detailed analyses of major works. While some advanced students found parts of the introductory material a bit slow, the course is largely celebrated as a solid foundation for beginners and a rich enhancement for enthusiasts.
Some lesser-known plays receive less in-depth analysis.
"For some of the lesser-known plays, the analysis felt a bit rushed compared to the major tragedies."
"The sheer number of plays covered means some get less focus, which is understandable but a slight drawback if you're looking for extreme depth on every single one."
Well-structured lectures with engaging discussion points and helpful resources.
"The lectures are well-structured, and the deep dives into the themes of each play were eye-opening."
"The discussion questions at the end of each video are a brilliant touch, encouraging active engagement."
"The resources section was quite helpful. I also joined the book club and found it a great way to deepen my understanding."
Covers a vast array of works with essential historical insight.
"A very thorough course on Shakespeare. The sheer volume of plays covered is impressive, and the instructor's knowledge is evident."
"The historical context provided for each play is invaluable."
"Excellent course that covers an enormous amount of material. It's a journey through the Bard's world."
Successfully clarifies complex Shakespearean language for all learners.
"I've always struggled with Shakespearean language, but the way he breaks it down makes it so much clearer."
"This course truly lives up to its promise. I finally 'get' Shakespeare! The explanations of the language are phenomenal."
"I've always been intimidated by Shakespeare, but this course demystified it completely."
The instructor's passion and expertise make learning enjoyable.
"The instructor's passion for Shakespeare is infectious, and he makes even the most complex plays accessible."
"The instructor's expertise shines through every lesson. From the sonnets to the tragedies, every module is a delight."
"Excellent course... The lectures are engaging and the instructor's knowledge is superb."
Pacing can vary; best for beginners or those seeking a refresher.
"I sometimes found the pace a bit slow, especially in the introductory sections. For someone already familiar... can feel repetitive."
"It's probably better suited for beginners or those needing a refresher."
"Some parts felt a bit academic, which is fine for me as an English student, but might be a lot for a casual learner."

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 English Literature: Understanding Shakespeare with these activities:
Review the language of Shakespeare
Read and familiarize yourself with the unique vocabulary and sentence structure of Shakespeare's works to enhance comprehension.
Show steps
  • Read a selection of Shakespeare's sonnets.
  • Note down unfamiliar words and phrases.
  • Refer to a glossary or online resources for definitions and explanations.
Review key themes and motifs in Shakespeare's plays
Refresh understanding of recurring themes and motifs to enhance analysis and interpretation of Shakespeare's works.
Browse courses on Literary Analysis
Show steps
  • Review course materials or online resources that summarize key themes and motifs.
  • Identify examples of these themes and motifs in specific plays.
  • Discuss the significance and impact of these themes and motifs in Shakespeare's works.
Review poetry analysis techniques
Review various methods and approaches to analyzing and understanding poetry by reading up on them online and watching instructional videos.
Browse courses on Poetry Analysis
Show steps
  • Identify existing knowledge gaps.
  • Determine which techniques will be useful in this course.
  • Explore textbooks, articles, and literary critique websites for information on poetry analysis.
  • Watch video tutorials on YouTube explaining analysis methods.
Six other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all nine activities
Read 'The Oxford Shakespeare: Complete Works'
Gain comprehensive access to all of Shakespeare's works in a single volume, enabling thorough study and analysis.
Show steps
  • Acquire a copy of 'The Oxford Shakespeare: Complete Works'.
  • Read through the plays and poems at your own pace.
Complete Shakespearean sonnet comprehension exercises
Improve comprehension and analytical skills through practice with Shakespearean sonnets.
Browse courses on Poetry Analysis
Show steps
  • Find online or printed exercises that focus on Shakespearean sonnet analysis.
  • Read the sonnets provided and answer comprehension questions.
  • Discuss interpretations and literary devices used in the sonnets.
Compile a Shakespearean glossary
Build a comprehensive reference tool that aids understanding of Shakespeare's unique language and terminology.
Browse courses on Vocabulary Development
Show steps
  • Create a document or spreadsheet to organize your glossary.
  • Read through Shakespeare's works and identify unfamiliar words and phrases.
  • Research and record the definitions and explanations of these terms.
  • Categorize and organize the glossary entries.
Write a character analysis
Analyze and interpret the motivations, flaws, and complexities of Shakespeare's characters to deepen understanding and appreciation.
Browse courses on Character Analysis
Show steps
  • Choose a character from a Shakespearean play.
  • Identify key moments and quotes that reveal the character's traits.
  • Write an essay that discusses the character's development and significance.
Watch video lectures on Shakespearean criticism
Enhance understanding of Shakespeare's works through expert analysis and critical perspectives.
Browse courses on Literary Analysis
Show steps
  • Search for online video lectures on Shakespearean criticism.
  • Select lectures that cover topics relevant to the course.
  • Take notes and engage with the material.
Participate in a Shakespeare study group
Engage with peers to share insights, discuss interpretations, and deepen understanding of Shakespeare's works.
Browse courses on Collaborative Learning
Show steps
  • Find or create a study group with fellow students.
  • Choose a play or poem to focus on.
  • Meet regularly to discuss themes, characters, and literary devices.

Career center

Learners who complete English Literature: Understanding Shakespeare will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:

Reading list

We haven't picked any books for this reading list yet.

Share

Help others find this course page by sharing it with your friends and followers:
Facebook
LinkedIn
Reddit
X
Link
Email

Similar courses

Here are nine courses similar to English Literature: Understanding Shakespeare.
Mindfulness, Dignity, and the Art of Human Connection
Most relevant
Sharpened Visions: A Poetry Workshop
Most relevant
Write A Feature Length Screenplay For Film Or Television
Most relevant
The American Renaissance and Herman Melville
Most relevant
Old Norse Mythology in the Sources
Most relevant
William Shakespeare's Romeo & Juliet: An Actor's...
Most relevant
Learn English with 20th Century Literature
Most relevant
The Essential Poet's Toolbox for Readers and Writers
Most relevant
Python Typer Crash Course: Build beautiful CLI & Package
Most relevant

Udemy Buyer Protection & Guarantee

Verified partner policies & purchase protections

Global Marketplace Leader
Free Trial & Audit

Free Lecture Previews

Free preview video lectures available for all courses; optional 7-day free trial on Personal Plan subscriptions (cancel before trial ends to avoid conversion).

Return & Refund Policy

30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

30-day money-back guarantee on all eligible individual course purchases (provided course content has not been substantially consumed or downloaded). Subscription fees are non-refundable once billed.

Buyer Protections

Verified Academic & Industry Partner

Lifetime access to purchased individual courses and future updates, verifiable certificate of completion, and direct student Q&A forums.

Key Purchase Protections
30-day 100% money-back guarantee on course purchases
Lifetime access on web, mobile, and offline
Certificate of completion included with purchase
Direct instructor Q&A and active student community
OpenCourser Verified Partner Policy details last reviewed: 2026-10-22
Course image
Rating
4.6 Filled star Filled star Filled star Filled star Half star
Effort
19 total hours
Via
Udemy
Instructor
Eve Williams MMus
Language
English
Traffic lights
Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Taught by someone with a Masters in English
Suitable for beginners who wish to learn the basics of Shakespeare's work
Provides a comprehensive overview of Shakespeare's major works
Guided by thought provoking discussion questions after each lecture
In-depth analysis of Shakespeare's themes, language, and historical context
This course covers a wide range of Shakespeare's works, from tragedies to comedies to historical plays
Share this
Share to help others discover this course.
Facebook LinkedIn X Reddit Link Email
Begin learning today
Enroll now to gain full access to English Literature.
Enroll now
Save for later
Add this course to your list. Find it anytime.
Save
Our mission

OpenCourser helps millions of learners each year. People visit us to learn workspace skills, ace their exams, and nurture their curiosity.

Our extensive catalog contains over 50,000 courses and twice as many books. Browse by search, by topic, or even by career interests. We'll match you to the right resources quickly.

Find this site helpful? Tell a friend about us.

Affiliate disclosure

We're supported by our community of learners. When you purchase or subscribe to courses and programs or purchase books, we may earn a commission from our partners.

Your purchases help us maintain our catalog and keep our servers humming without ads.

Thank you for supporting OpenCourser.

© 2016 - 2025 OpenCourser