Shakespeare's plays are designed to entertain. They were written for the popular stage, and over the last four centuries they have been taken up in a variety of media for audiences all around the world. This course investigates Shakespeare's art in relation to the commercial theater for which he wrote and the popular culture of the modern world: film, theater, and radio, but also graphic novels, tv shows, and pop music. As we discuss these plays and their creative reworkings, we will touch on topics ranging from the politics of voice to the performance of mind and emotion, from the ethics of revenge to the fluidity of gendered identity.
5
UnitsOptional
Grading1, 2, 3
PasstimeNone
Level LimitLetters and science
CollegeObviously cares a lot about the topic. Would I take again? Not by choice, but if it fit into my schedule, I wouldn't be mad about it.
Best English prof! Very passionate about Shakespeare and genuinely loves interacting with his students. Two take-home exams and weekly film or writing assignments. Class was a piece of cake. He's also a swiftie, which was a plus. Wish he taught more courses!
Very clear on grading, pretty easy to get an A as long as you do the assignments (graded on completion). The midterm and final are both open note online.
Great class due to not having a section but he grades based on the number of assignments you complete. The TA is what makes or breaks your grade sometimes they do not think your essay was good and make it as not complete which then affects the letter grade you receive.
Great class, obviously you should be going in expecting to read Shakespeare, and other than that the workload was reasonable and lectures were very organized. Kearney was great, highly recommend.
Professor Kearney was by far the best professor I had this quarter. I took his Shakespeare in pop-culture class and it was incredibly simple just be aware of the readers. Other than that it's a super straightforward class and I had a great time in it. I look forward to whatever course he teaches next and if I could, I'd retake this class. 10/10