Equivalent to LIT. 151. This course provides both an introductory survey of Shakespeare’s plays, with selections from his comedies, histories, tragedies, and sonnets, and an in-depth study of selected works. The course offers a "performance perspective" of Shakespeare's work, keeping in mind that these texts were meant to be performed as well as read. The course also covers Shakespeare's influences, cultural inheritance, his role in the development of English language and literature, and his relevance today.