A 1.1 Welcome and Introduction

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来自 University of London 的课程

Introduction to Who Wrote Shakespeare

78 个评分

University of London

Introduction to Who Wrote Shakespeare

78 个评分

This free course from the University of London explores critical thinking, and the interpretation of texts, through the Shakespeare authorship question. Using doubt about Shakespeare’s authorship as our playground, we will explore the key concept of authorship attribution, while developing skills in literary analysis, interpretation, and argument. Through forensic exploration of key texts, you will learn why Shakespeare’s authorship is questioned, and what evidence is cited on both sides of the debate. For those of you interested in exploring the works of Shakespeare from a new angle, or just wanting to hone your analytical thinking skills, this course offers an introduction to a fascinating area of interest. Those of you already interested in the Shakespeare authorship question will be encouraged to question your own assumptions in fruitful ways. Whether undertaken as a standalone course, or as preparation for the University of London BA in English, this course will be food for thought.

从本节课中

Understanding the Question

This week is a practical introduction to the Shakespeare authorship question, covering terms and concepts you will use and outlining the basic arguments for and against William Shakespeare’s authorship of the works attributed to him. You will learn a framework for understanding how a person’s perceptions (including your own) are shaped by pre-existing beliefs and assumptions and learn how this might impact your ability to interpret and assess literary and historical evidence. You will then be introduced to a key theory of the authorship question and to the first practical exercise in close-reading a relevant text.

A 1.1 Welcome and Introduction3:27

A 1.4 The role of belief in interpretation9:26

A 1.5 Interview with Kris De Meyer Part 110:37

A 1.6 Interview with Kris De Meyer Part 210:04

与讲师见面

Ros Barber
Dr
English and Comparative Literature

Welcome to the University of London's MOOC,

Introduction to Who Wrote Shakespeare.

Before introducing you to the course,

I'd better introduce myself.

I'm Dr. Rosalind Barber of Goldsmiths College, University of London,

and I've been researching the ins and outs of

the Shakespeare authorship question since 2005.

Doubts that William Shakespeare wrote the works attributed to him were

first expressed openly in the 1850s.

Some scholars say veiled doubts were expressed in the 16th century, immediately

following the publication of

the first two works that appeared under the Shakespeare name.

You'll find out about these claims later in the course.

Now, be warned, this isn't any ordinary academic subject.

Some people get very emotional about

the questioning of the authorship of the Shakespeare "canon",

the plays and poems recognized as his.

You might try to talk about the issues raised on this course with

friends and family and find people getting angry.

But within this course, you'll find a place to

discuss it with others who are interested in it.

Hopefully, in a calm and productive way.

I encourage you not to get too emotional,

if you can help it, because getting emotional can make it hard to think straight.

And you're going to need to stay logical

if you're to have the best chance of looking clearly at

the evidence for and against Shakespeare's authorship.

For me, this is a deeply interesting subject.

For one, it's an exercise in critical thinking, forcing us to look at what

we think we know and how we decide that something is true.

Secondly, it's a different way to look at Shakespeare.

School often makes us think of Shakespeare as boring.

The authorship question offers us

a different lens through which to view Shakespeare's works -

and even if you already know some of the plays and poems very well,

this is a fascinating way to approach his work with fresh eyes.

You don't need to know the plays or the poems to study this course and enjoy it.

In fact, because this is only a very short course,

and the authorship question is a very big subject,

we won't be looking at Shakespeare's works at all,

just the evidence for and against Shakespeare writing them.

But that won't stop you enjoying them in your own time.

In fact, I pretty much guarantee

it will help you enjoy them more.

I think of the Shakespeare authorship question as two questions.

Did the man from Stratford-upon-Avon write the works attributed to him?

And if he didn't, who did?

This is an introductory course,

focused purely on the first part of that question.

We'll be looking at the reasons why some people question the authorship of

the works of Shakespeare and examining some of the key evidence and arguments.

Some people will tell you it doesn't matter who wrote the works of Shakespeare

because we have the plays and poems and that's the only thing that counts.

Consider yourself whether it matters or not,

and why you think it does or it doesn't?

During this course, I'll be asking you to question your beliefs and assumptions.

Approach it with an open mind.

Be courteous to your fellow students and enjoy yourself.

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