HIST 255 - England in the Age of Shakespeare

FDR: HU
Credits: 3

This class uses the dates of Shakespeare’s life (1564-1616) as our chronological frame to explore the history of England during the profoundly important reigns of Elizabeth I and James VI and I. Together we examine the era of personal monarchy and the growing resistance of parliament, the encounters with “others” beyond England’s shores, the relationship between gender and power, the spread of religious convictions and contradictions, colonialism and the beginnings of the British Empire, and the great literary and artistic figures of the day. We also investigate what life was like for the average men and women who lived and died during England’s “golden age.” Brock.