The Merchant of Venice: A Deep Dive with Stephen Greenblatt

Course Description

Embark on a captivating journey through one of Shakespeare's most controversial plays, "The Merchant of Venice," with Harvard professor Stephen Greenblatt as your guide. This course offers a deep dive into the complex character of Shylock, the Jewish moneylender, and explores the historical, cultural, and theatrical contexts that shape this timeless work. Through engaging video lectures, close readings, and examinations of various adaptations, you'll develop critical skills to unravel the play's multiple layers of meaning and its enduring relevance in today's world.

What Students Will Learn

• Gain insight into 16th-century Venice's multicultural landscape and its influence on the play
• Analyze Shylock's character in depth, including his moral complexity and relationships with other characters
• Understand the play's historical context within artistic representations of Jews in Western culture
• Explore the blend of comic and tragic elements in the play and their impact on audience perceptions
• Examine the play's reception and interpretation across four centuries through various media and perspectives

Prerequisites

No prior knowledge or skills are required. This course is designed to be accessible to both first-time readers of "The Merchant of Venice" and those familiar with the play, offering valuable insights for all levels of experience.

Course Content

• Introduction to "The Merchant of Venice" and its central themes
• Historical context of 16th-century Venice and Jewish history in Europe
• In-depth character analysis of Shylock
• Exploration of anti-Semitism in literature and its relation to the play
• The play's genre as a comedy with tragic elements
• Adaptations and interpretations of the play through the centuries
• Critical analysis techniques for Shakespearean drama

Who This Course Is For

This course is ideal for literature enthusiasts, students of Shakespeare, theater lovers, and anyone interested in exploring the complexities of one of Shakespeare's most debated plays. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced scholar, this course offers fresh perspectives and deep insights into "The Merchant of Venice."

Real-World Application

The analytical and critical thinking skills developed in this course are transferable to many areas of life and work. Students will enhance their ability to interpret complex texts, understand historical and cultural contexts, and engage with challenging moral and ethical questions. These skills are valuable in fields such as literature, theater, history, law, and any profession requiring critical analysis and cultural sensitivity.

Syllabus Overview

• Week 1: Introduction to "The Merchant of Venice" and 16th-century Venice
• Week 2: The character of Shylock and Jewish representation in literature
• Week 3: Comedy and tragedy in "The Merchant of Venice"
• Week 4: Historical interpretations and adaptations of the play
• Week 5: Critical analysis techniques and modern perspectives on the play
• Week 6: Final reflections and contemporary relevance of "The Merchant of Venice"