Brief Introduction
An exploration of the haunting figure at the heart of one of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays.Course Summary
Explore the world of Shakespeare's Hamlet with this course. Learn about the themes, characters, and literary devices used in the play.Key Learning Points
- Discover the historical context of Hamlet and its relevance today
- Analyze the characters and their motivations
- Explore the use of literary devices in the play
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Gain a deeper understanding of Shakespeare's Hamlet
- Analyze literary devices used in the play
- Develop critical thinking and analytical skills
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- Basic understanding of English literature
- Access to the play Hamlet
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online
- Self-paced
Similar Courses
- Shakespeare's Macbeth
- Introduction to Shakespeare
Related Education Paths
Notable People in This Field
- Harold Bloom
- A.C. Bradley
Related Books
Description
Course description
In the first act of William Shakespeare’s Hamlet, the Ghost of the dead King of Denmark appears to his son, setting off a chain of events that culminates in the play’s notoriously bloody finale. But how would this mysterious figure have been understood in Shakespeare’s world?
Harvard professor Stephen Greenblatt (John Cogan University Professor of the Humanities) guides learners through an exploration of the Ghost in Hamlet, considering both its uncanny theatrical power and the historical contexts from which it emerged. Learners will be introduced to the narrative sources of Hamlet, the religious convictions that shaped how people in Renaissance England understood the afterlife, and the ways that Shakespeare’s Ghost would have thrilled and challenged its original audience. Learners will also be invited to share their own theatrical interpretations of Hamlet and to consider how the themes of death, mourning, and memory shape Shakespeare’s play as well as their own lives.
Knowledge
- What you'll learn
- Appreciate Shakespearean dramaturgy and language
- Identify historical contexts that illuminate Shakespeare’s artistic choices
- Explore the implications of different theatrical and performance interpretations
Outline
- Part I. The Ghost in Act One
- Part II. Ideas of the Afterlife in Shakespeare’s World
- Part III. Beyond Act One
Summary of User Reviews
The Shakespeare's Hamlet Ghost course offered by Harvard Online Learning has received positive reviews from students. Many users praised the course for its engaging and insightful lectures that provide a deeper understanding of the play.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
engaging and insightful lecturesPros from User Reviews
- In-depth exploration of the themes and characters in Hamlet
- High-quality video lectures by experienced professors
- Access to a range of resources, including discussion forums and supplementary readings
- Flexible schedule that allows students to learn at their own pace
Cons from User Reviews
- The course can be challenging for those with little prior knowledge of Shakespeare or literature
- The workload can be heavy at times, with multiple assignments due each week
- Some users found the discussion forums to be disorganized and difficult to navigate
Shakespeare's Hamlet: The Ghost
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Explore the haunting figure at the heart of one of William Shakespeare’s most famous plays. But how would this mysterious figure have been understood in Shakespeare’s time?...
Shakespeare Matters
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Learn about Shakespeare’s plays and their influence through a focus on emotions such as love, hate, and jealousy. Each week of the course will focus on a different emotion....
