Hamlet: A complete Reading, Discussion and Analysis

A comprehensive guide for students of Shakespeare’s plays

What you’ll learn
✓ Understanding of medieval English, or Shakespearian English
✓ Analysis and discussion of characters
✓ Analysis of themes in Hamlet
✓ Understanding the historical context of Shakespeare’s plays

Requirements
● Able to speak and read English on High School level

Description
The course is introduced by a historical background of England during the time of Shakespeare, followed by a biography of the great bard himself. There is also information on the Globe Theatre, which formed the stage for the plays. A full list of the characters (dramatis personae) is provided. There are printable resources with some of the lectures.
Each act is summarised to give students an idea of the plot.
There is a complete script reading of the original text, each scene complemented by the modern translation.
Then follows an analysis of each act, after which the main themes and the most important characters are discussed.
Finally, there are examination papers and tests, with their memoranda, which will assist those who are studying the play for exam purposes.
Students are encouraged to participate actively, by asking questions in the Q&A section, as well as to take notes during the course of the discussions. This will assist in internalising the information and details, providing students with a thorough background and knowledge of the finer points of the play.
Susan Allin, the course presenter, graduated from Stellenbosch University, South Africa, in 1981, majoring in English, Psychology and History. Since then, she has taught English Home and Additional Language at various schools across the country.

Who this course is for
■Students of Shakespeare – High School to University level
■Adults wanting insights into Shakespeare
■Actors needing to perform Shakespeare on stage or film