Close study of five important plays from the first decade of Shakespeare’s career:  Richard III, The Merchant of Venice, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Romeo and Juliet, and Hamlet.   We will study these plays with attention both to historical context and to the way the plays have worked as dramas at various times in the last four hundred years.  Film clips will be used as illustrations.  Written work will include quizzes on each play, two papers, and a final exam.