ENL5227-0001 – Spring 2027 – Bourus

This course will examine Shakespeare’s relationship to the transformative media of early modern England down to today on stage, in film, in print, in digital formats, in music, and in comics. What makes Shakespeare’s work so appealing through the centuries and in different media formats? How has it continued to appeal to evolving media structures? We will look at Shakespeare’s relationship to printers, publishers, actors, playing companies, theatrical infrastructure, and the bodies of performers. Who is “Shakespeare”? What meanings did his plays have in his own time, and what relevance do they continue to hold for us today? Active class participation is required. No background in Renaissance literature necessary, though prior experience with Shakespeare is a plus.