This term, we’re demystifying Shakespeare’s most revered tragedy. Brimming with sharp wit, high-stakes drama, and unforgettable personalities, Hamlet is more than a gloomy prince with a skull. Through lively discussion and in-class reading, we’ll look beyond the play’s foreboding reputation to uncover a dark comedy, a ghost story, and a masterclass in meta-theater. Whether you’re a Shakespeare skeptic or a seasoned fan, you’ll see why Hamlet has captivated audiences for 400 years—not as a museum piece, but as a thrilling, hilarious, and surprisingly modern play.

Required texts: Hamlet: Folger Library Shakespeare