In this seminar we will consider Shakespeare’s feelings, or rather the emotional experiences he conjures for his audiences on the early modern stage. Our inquiry will take up the history of emotions – as well as what it means that emotions have a history – with a particular focus on the relation of reason to the passions. We will touch on thinkers ranging from Aristotle to Ahmed in the course of our discussions, but our primary focus will be Shakespearean drama. Plays we address may include: Macbeth, King Lear, Twelfth Night, and The Winter’s Tale. Requirements: careful reading, regular attendance, active participation, a final research paper, and a final exam.