Online Class: Understanding Shakespeare 101

Understanding Shakespeare is an introductory course on who is considered the greatest writer to have ever lived: William Shakespeare.

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13

Lessons
26

Exams &
Assignments
11

Hours
average time
1.1

CEUs

Course Description

Understanding Shakespeare is an introductory course on who is considered the greatest writer to have ever lived: William Shakespeare. The name is quite popular, but how much do we really know about his life and works? In this course, we will investigate Shakespeare the man, and Shakespeare the writer. In a contextual level, we will have a look at his life: how he became the most famous writer of all and what was happening around him, more specifically in Europe around that time. In regards to his work, this course will focus separately on his Comedies, Histories, Tragedies, and Sonnets. With each of these, we will identify common elements and recurring themes. Going further, we will then have a look at each of these genres practically, exemplifying our discoveries through Much Ado About Nothing, Richard III, Hamlet, and three selected sonnets. We will also look at some key facts that demonstrate Shakespeare's popularity and high acclaim, hoping to encourage you to dig deeper by sparking your interest and intriguing you with a fascinating course.

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Completely Online
Self-Paced
6 Months to Complete
24/7 Availability
Start Anytime
PC & Mac Compatible
Android & iOS Friendly
Accredited CEUs

Universal Class is an IACET Accredited Provider

Course Lessons

Lesson 1 - Course Introduction

In this course, we will try to serve both of those who already have some knowledge of Shakespeare and those who may have never heard anything about him asides from his worldwide-recognized name. 30 Total Points

Lesson discussions: Shakespeare; Reasons for Taking this Course
Complete: Lesson 1 Assignment
Complete Assignment: An Introduction

Lesson 2 - Who?

Not many people know the story of the man behind the iconic, almost mythological, Shakespeare. 35 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 2 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 2 Who?

Lesson 3 - A Little History/Context

What was happening in the world, and particularly Europe (and even more specifically England) when Shakespeare was alive; and how did the times influence what he wrote? 35 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 3 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 3 - A Little History/Context

Lesson 4 - Comedies

Shakespeare's comedies will be discussed in this lesson. 35 Total Points

Lesson discussions: Shakespeare's Comedies
Complete: Lesson 4 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 4 - Comedies

Lesson 5 - Comedy Case Study

In this lesson we'll provide an overview of one of Shakespeare's most traditional comedies, Much Ado About Nothing. 34 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 5 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 5 - Comedy Case Study

Lesson 6 - Histories

In total, there are 10 Shakespearean histories, which are quite similar in style and in themes, though they each deal with a different aspect of one or more Monarch's struggle for power. 35 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 6 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 6 Histories

Lesson 7 - History Case Study

In this lesson we will have a look at Richard III, one of Shakespeare's most famous history plays. 35 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 7 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 7 History Case Study

Lesson 8 - Tragedies

Shakespeare is just as well known for his capacity to provoke sadness as he is for provoking laughter. In this lesson we'll have a look at some of the elements that his tragedies usually share in common. 35 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 8 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 8 Tragedies

Lesson 9 - Tragedy Case Study

In this Lesson we will have a look at two of the most notable plays in the English language: Hamlet. 35 Total Points

Lesson discussions: Tragedies
Complete: Lesson 9 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 9 Tragedy Case Study

Lesson 10 - Sonnets

Shakespeare's sonnets are 154 poems that were first published in 1609, under the name SHAKE-SPEARES SONNETS: Never before imprinted. 35 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 10 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 10 Sonnets

Lesson 11 - Sonnet Samples

Now that we have talked about Shakespeare's sonnets, let's have a brief look at three of them 35 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 11 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 11 Sonnet Samples

Lesson 12 - Why So Great?

Considered by many to be "a man ahead of his time", his work proves that he was, indeed, timeless, as his works never ceased to be relevant, from the moment they were written. 35 Total Points

Complete: Lesson 12 Assignment
Assessment: Lesson 12 Why So Great?

Lesson 13 - Conclusion

Take the information learned in this course as a propeller, a starting point that will hopefully take you to new discoveries and joyful hours enjoying one of Shakespeare's scripts or poems 79 Total Points

Lesson discussions: End of Course Poll; Program Evaluation Follow-up Survey (End of Course); Course Comments
Complete: Lesson 13 Assignment
Assessment: The Final Exam

493

Total Course Points

Learning Outcomes

By successfully completing this course, students will be able to:

Describe who Shakespeare and his important role in history and literature.
Summarize the comedies and comedic techniques of Shakespeare.
Summarize the histories of Shakespeare.
Summarize the Tragedies of Shakespeare.
Summarize the Sonnets of Shakespeare.
Identify what makes Shakespeare so great.
Demonstrate mastery of lesson content at levels of 70% or higher.

Additional Course Information

Document Your Lifelong Learning Achievements
Earn an Official Certificate Documenting Course Hours and CEUs
Verify Your Certificate with a Unique Serial Number Online

View and Share Your Certificate Online or Download/Print as PDF
Display Your Certificate on Your Resume and Promote Your Achievements Using Social Media

Course Title: Understanding Shakespeare 101

Course Number: 8900137

Languages: English - United States, Canada and other English speaking countries

Availability: This course is online and available in all 50 states including: California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Texas.

Last Updated: October 2023

Course Type: Self-Paced, Online Class

CEU Value: 1.1 IACET CEUs (Continuing Education Units)

CE Accreditation: Universal Class, Inc. has been accredited as an Authorized Provider by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET).

Grading Policy: Earn a final grade of 70% or higher to receive an online/downloadable CEU Certification documenting CEUs earned.

Assessment Method: Lesson assignments and review exams

Course Fee: $120.00 U.S. dollars