Approaching Shakespeare

Oxford University

4.5 (317)
EDUCATION

Each lecture in this series focuses on a single play by Shakespeare, and employs a range of different approaches to try to understand a central critical question about it. Rather than providing overarching readings or interpretations, the series aims to show the variety of different ways we might understand Shakespeare, the kinds of evidence that might be used to strengthen our critical analysis, and, above all, the enjoyable and unavoidable fact that Shakespeare's plays tend to generate our questions rather than answer them.

See All (32)

4.5

out of 5

317 Ratings

Outstanding

04/22/2021

Crowbar Man

The audio can be improved in some parts. Otherwise the professor is wonderful in her presentation and context of the lectures. You need not have read the plays and yet the lectures compel you to read the plays rather than spoil the experience.
Wonderful lectures!

03/24/2024

Melinda30306

Outstanding lectures on Shakespeare’s plays - I only wish that Professor Smith had included lectures on all of the plays.
Shakespeare’s Plays Explained

11/09/2022

Bunbury I'm Earnest

Emma Smith presents facts and interpretation about the the plays and their contexts in a straightforward, no-nonsense manner. She is not an egomaniac as are so many scholars. I love her voice and calm delivery.
More!

03/23/2022

kc-oo

Would love more episodes or recommendations for similar lecture courses on WS

Each lecture in this series focuses on a single play by Shakespeare, and employs a range of different approaches to try to understand a central critical question about it. Rather than providing overarching readings or interpretations, the series aims to show the variety of different ways we might understand Shakespeare, the kinds of evidence that might be used to strengthen our critical analysis, and, above all, the enjoyable and unavoidable fact that Shakespeare's plays tend to generate our questions rather than answer them.