Brief Introduction
An exploration of the magnetic and ambivalent character of Shylock in William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice.Course Summary
Explore Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice and dive into the complex character of Shylock. This course will examine issues of identity, justice, and prejudice in early modern England.Key Learning Points
- Gain a deeper understanding of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice
- Explore the character of Shylock and the issues of identity, justice, and prejudice
- Examine the play's relevance to contemporary issues
Job Positions & Salaries of people who have taken this course might have
- USA: $72,000 - $145,000
- India: ₹3,00,000 - ₹12,00,000
- Spain: €27,000 - €55,000
- USA: $72,000 - $145,000
- India: ₹3,00,000 - ₹12,00,000
- Spain: €27,000 - €55,000
- USA: $41,000 - $111,000
- India: ₹1,80,000 - ₹8,00,000
- Spain: €18,000 - €45,000
- USA: $72,000 - $145,000
- India: ₹3,00,000 - ₹12,00,000
- Spain: €27,000 - €55,000
- USA: $41,000 - $111,000
- India: ₹1,80,000 - ₹8,00,000
- Spain: €18,000 - €45,000
- USA: $47,000 - $120,000
- India: ₹3,00,000 - ₹18,00,000
- Spain: €21,000 - €60,000
Related Topics for further study
Learning Outcomes
- Develop a deep understanding of Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice
- Critically analyze issues of identity, justice, and prejudice
- Understand the play's relevance to contemporary issues
Prerequisites or good to have knowledge before taking this course
- Basic knowledge of Shakespearean literature
- Willingness to engage with complex themes and issues
Course Difficulty Level
IntermediateCourse Format
- Online
- Self-paced
Similar Courses
- Shakespeare's Hamlet: The Ghost
- Shakespeare's Othello: The Moor
- Shakespeare's Macbeth: Ambition, Guilt, and the Supernatural
Related Education Paths
- Master of Liberal Arts, Extension Studies, Field: English and American Literature and Language
- Master of Liberal Arts, Extension Studies, Field: Humanities
- Master of Liberal Arts, Extension Studies, Field: Museum Studies
Notable People in This Field
- Harold Bloom
- Marjorie Garber
- James Shapiro
Related Books
Description
Course description
Harvard professor Stephen Greenblatt (John Cogan University Professor of the Humanities) guides learners through an exploration of Shakespeare’s unforgettable character Shylock in The Merchant of Venice and his historical origins.
In the first act of William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice, the Jewish moneylender Shylock proposes a “merry sport” to the merchant Antonio: he will lend Antonio the money he needs if Antonio agrees to let Shylock take a pound of his flesh should he default. Shylock calls this contract a “merry bond,” and Shakespeare’s First Folio calls the play a comedy. But what does Shylock want from the bond, and how merry does the play ultimately prove?
This course introduces learners to Jewish history both in Venice and in England, to the ways in which Shakespeare’s own audience might have responded to the play and its genre, and to the history of the play’s production through the twenty-first century.
Learners will also be invited to share their own theatrical interpretations of The Merchant of Venice and to ask how the meaning of a work of art may change in different times, contexts, and cultures.
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
Summary of User Reviews
The course on Shakespeare's Merchant of Venice and Shylock has received positive reviews from many users. Learners found the course comprehensive and engaging, with a deep analysis of the play's themes and characters. However, some users felt that the course lacked interactivity and could benefit from more diverse perspectives.Key Aspect Users Liked About This Course
Comprehensive and engaging analysis of the play's themes and charactersPros from User Reviews
- In-depth examination of the play's historical context and cultural significance
- Insightful analysis of the complex character of Shylock and other key roles
- Engaging lectures and discussion forums that foster critical thinking skills
Cons from User Reviews
- Limited interaction with instructors and other learners
- Lack of diverse perspectives and voices in the course material
- Heavy emphasis on traditional literary analysis methods may not appeal to all learners
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Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice: Shylock
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An exploration of the magnetic and ambivalent character of Shylock in William Shakespeare’s The Merchant of Venice....
