ENGL 290 - Shakespearean Comedy and Social Justice

FC ARHU WINT

4 credits
Traditional comedy is a problem, its happy endings often superficial, exclusionary, and cruel. We first consider how Shakespeare himself has been a problem, appropriated to serve retrograde cultural values and white supremacy. Products of their time, Shakespeare’s comedies nonetheless resisted convention and emphasized injustice. As we explore how they grapple with misogyny, xenophobia, racism, and tyranny, we aim to illuminate our own moment. Our classroom will value creativity, intellectual engagement, diverse voices, and action.

Prerequisites: one course with the WINT attribute.