Shakespeare holds a unique status in America (as well as other countries) and his works have historically been used to assert the supremacy of Western ideas. But it is precisely Shakespeare’s iconic status and malleability that allow his works to counter this construct and instead to function as a gateway into issues of social justice. English 5840 will use Shakespeare’s plays to flip the script as we contemplate various social injustices, not only through explorations of race, ethnicity, and gender, but also by considering class, disability, and environment. In addition to a selection of Shakespeare’s plays, we will also consider various adaptations such as Morrison’s Desdemona, Atwood’s Hagseed, and Al-Bassam’s, Al-Hamlet Summit.
Tuesdays & Thursdays 3:30-4:45
Dr. Susan C. Staub
ENG 5840.101 Shakespeare: Shakespeare and Social Justice - Staub (Spring 2023) flyer
