English Literature
From Beowulf to Carol Ann Duffy, via Shakespeare, Milton, Wordsworth, the Brontes, and others.
English Literature

Shakespeare: Othello
In this twenty-one part course, Professor John McRae (University of Nottingham) explores Shakespeare’s Othello. We begin with a broad introduction to the historical, political and intellectual context of early 17th-century England, before going through ...
Prof. John McRae
Nottingham University
English Literature

Webster: The Duchess of Malfi
In this course, Professor Lisa Hopkins (Sheffield Hallam University) discusses John Webster’s play The Duchess of Malfi. We begin by thinking about Gothic motifs in the play, focusing in particular on instances of double-ness or twinning. In ...
Prof. Lisa Hopkins
Sheffield Hallam University
English Literature

Shakespeare: Julius Caesar
In this course, Professor John Roe (University of York) explores Shakespeare’s Julius Caesar. We begin by thinking about the sources for the play, focusing in particular on the works of Plutarch, before moving on in the second module to give a summary of the plot. After that ...
Prof. John Roe
York University
English Literature

Shakespeare: Macbeth
In this nineteen-part course, Professor John McRae (University of Nottingham) explores Shakespeare’s Macbeth. We begin with a broad introduction to historical, political ...
Prof. John McRae
Nottingham University
English Literature

Shakespeare: Hamlet
In this fifteen-part course, Professor John McRae (University of Nottingham) explores Shakespeare’s Hamlet, focusing in particular on Hamlet’s development from “a rogue and peasant slave” to the perfect (“most royal”) king. We begin in the first module with a brief...
Prof. John McRae
Nottingham University
English Literature

Marlowe: Edward II
In this course, Professor Lisa Hopkins (Sheffield Hallam University) explores Christopher Marlowe's final play, Edward II. We begin by thinking about the theme of homosexuality in the play, arguing that while the relationship between Edward and Gaveston is perhaps the...
Prof. Lisa Hopkins
Sheffield Hallam University