Shakespeare, Sex, and Gender

Module code: EN3333

In this module we will read and think about a selection of Shakespeare’s plays – comedy, history, and tragedy – through the critical lens of gender and sexuality. Drawing on performance history and on a range of theoretical perspectives, we will consider how Shakespearean drama constructs notions of masculinity and femininity, and delineates the contours of human desire. Along with the plays themselves, we will discuss key productions of the plays on film and filmed theatre.

Topics covered

• Performing gender/ gender as performance
• Disguise and cross-dressing
• Queer Shakespeares
• Desire and the body
• Intersections: gender, sexuality, race, and class