Shakespeare's rebellious women: The Taming of the Shrew and Much Ado about Nothing

Course Programme

Session timings are below. Please plan to arrive online shortly before each session is due to begin.

Friday 29 May 2.30pm: Introductions and Shrew ‘Induction’This session will introduce us to each other, to Zoom, and to the historical and theatrical context in which the plays were written and first performed. We will brainstorm the themes of the plays. We will then move on to The Taming of the Shrew and examine the contribution of the first two framing scenes, known as ‘the Induction’.

Friday 29 May 4.30pm: Gender Expectations / Shrew - Katherina (1)
This session will start with discussion of gender norms and expectations in Shakespeare’s world and an overview of how the women of these two plays apparently fit the templates. We will then continue with The Taming of the Shrew, winding up discussion of the Induction and starting to explore Katherina and Petruchio’s story.

Saturday 30 May 9.30 am: Katherina (2)
This session will continue our analysis of Katherina and Petruchio’s story. It will also include discussion of the recent ‘gender-reversed’ production by the RSC.

Saturday 30 May 11.30 am: Bianca and the Widow
This session will look at Bianca and the Widow and explore their strategies and significance.

Sunday 31 May 9.30am: Much Ado About Nothing – The Male World & Hero
This session will open with some back-ground information on the play; move on to explore male gender constraints, homo-social companionship and the implications of Elizabethan society’s assumptions about female infidelity; and close with consideration of the role of Hero.

Sunday 31 May 11.30am: Much Ado About Nothing – Beatrice and Benedick (1)
This session will focus on Beatrice and Benedick.

Sunday 31 May 2.30pm: Much Ado – Beatrice and Benedick (2), Course Conclusion
This session will focus further on Beatrice and Benedick and end by comparisons between the two plays.

In addition there will be two optional sessions at 7.30pm on Friday and Saturday evenings with screenings of the plays. Please refer to the course syllabus for details. 

Additional requirements

ICE is committed to providing equality of opportunity and to a proactive and inclusive approach to equality. We aim to support and encourage under-represented groups, promote an inclusive culture, and value diversity.
Further information about student support.

Course materials

A book list, course syllabus and detailed timetable are circulated as far as possible in advance of a course. You will receive these documents by email if you have provided us with your email address; please check your spam folder if you have not received these documents.

You can also download material from the Documents section at the bottom of this page.

Fees

Fees for remote-study courses cover the course tuition for all remote sessions. VAT does not apply to course fees and there is no service charge. Payment is by credit/debit card unless otherwise arranged and is taken in full at the time of booking.

Cancellations

You may cancel a course booking at any time. After the 14 day cancellation period has expired, the standard ICE course cancellation policy will apply. Please view our refund and cancellation policy for further details.

Bursaries

The Cambridge University Press (CUP) Bursary Fund offers a bursary of 50% of the course fee to applicants who teach in a UK state school or state-funded further education institution, applying to study a day school, weekend course or online course.

What you will need

The course is open to anyone, however it is taught via a virtual classroom. You will be able to see, hear and interact with your classmates and the tutor. In order to participate you will need to have a laptop, computer, tablet or other device equipped with a camera (webcam), speakers and a microphone. 

Full instructions and support on the use of the software will be given on request.