Shakespeare studies has in recent years involved a remarkable confluence of critical methods, something like a cross-section of the discipline of literary criticism today: Feminist theory, Marxism and Cultural Materialism, New-Historicism, Post-Structuralist and Psychoanalytic theory. We will focus on a few plays in depth-As You Like It, King Lear, and Antony and Cleopatra-engaging them "in their own right" (we'll have reason to wonder what that means) and in relation to a range of critical and theoretical writings from Samuel Johnson to Luce Irigaray. Requirements: one short essay, a 15-page term paper (with individual conferences preparatory to that paper), and active participation in class discussions. Prerequisite: a 100-level English course, except 150. Major Seminar. Enrollment limited to 15 (expected: 15). Preference to majors in English and Theatre. (Pre-1700 or Criticism)

Hour: PYE