Approaching Shakespeare

by Oxford University
268

Each lecture in this series focuses on a single play by Shakespeare, and employs a range of different approaches to try to understand a central critical question about it. Rather than providing overarching readings or interpretations, the series aims to show the variety of different ways we might understand Shakespeare, the kinds of evidence that might be used to strengthen our critical analysis, and, above all, the enjoyable and unavoidable fact that Shakespeare's plays tend to generate our questions rather than answer them.

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Recent Reviews
  • Melinda30306
    Wonderful lectures!
    Outstanding lectures on Shakespeare’s plays - I only wish that Professor Smith had included lectures on all of the plays.
  • Bunbury I'm Earnest
    Shakespeare’s Plays Explained
    Emma Smith presents facts and interpretation about the the plays and their contexts in a straightforward, no-nonsense manner. She is not an egomaniac as are so many scholars. I love her voice and calm delivery.
  • kc-oo
    More!
    Would love more episodes or recommendations for similar lecture courses on WS
  • Crowbar Man
    Outstanding
    The audio can be improved in some parts. Otherwise the professor is wonderful in her presentation and context of the lectures. You need not have read the plays and yet the lectures compel you to read the plays rather than spoil the experience.
  • IlBachLover
    A great podcast for anyone interested in literary history
    This is one of my favorite podcasts. The instructor is knowledgeable, and the material is fascinating and well-presented. This series of lectures has been a great companion during the COVID-19 pandemic, and I’m only sorry there aren’t more Shakespeare plays to explore with Professor Smith.
  • smikgtre
    The best sleep time podcast I’ve used
    The lectures are interesting enough to hold your attention at first, yet dry enough to allow you to drift off to slumber very quickly. Much better than those boring tales where nothing happens or the very interesting tales that can keep you awake. And maybe I’m learning something new in my sleep? I’ve listened to most of the episodes and plan to start over once I’ve finished. Thank you so much, Professor Smith! Sincerely, a grateful student.
  • Miguel Luna
    Terrific lectures for all
    I listened to these a couple of years ago, but can’t seem to access them now in June 2020. Have they been taken down from servers? 😢
  • Mousekin19
    Julius Caesar
    Excellent. I particular appreciated the discussion of the poet and information concerning the Bishop’s Ban of 1599.
  • Lego Brian
    Rating
    Yes.
  • astropolitan
    Great supplement to the plays
    Very interesting and insightful commentary! I love listening to the corresponding episode after reading each play for class. It adds a lot to my understanding and enjoyment of the plays.
  • Dkbritt85
    Enlightening, stimulating
    For true Bard nerds only, she poses questions really worth considering about these great works. Be sure to familiarize yourself with each text first, however. You do not have to listen to the whole series if you’d like to investigate a specific play or two. Update: 2017 lecture mic is farther away from Smith than usual. On Cymbeline there is someone whispering near the mic the whole lecture.
  • JohnFNewman
    Great resource after reading the play(s)
    A few things on iTunes and around the net you wonder why the person wasted everyone's time posting it. Thank goodness for the gems, like this one.
  • RachelMitch
    Good, even if you're not very familiar with Shakespeare
    I love the sound of her voice, and she does a great job of making Shakespeare accessible and understandable, even for a math major like me. She is very intelligent, very knowledgeable, and occasionally funny. She mentions historical context of Shakespeare, as well as the variety of opinions in literary analysis. I also like how she obviously admires Shakespeare, but also is willing to criticize and humanize him.
  • Titus Andronicus act 4 scene 2
    Pedantic,silly,and boring
    The lectures should be called 'Departing Shakespeare'
  • Addictive & worth the money
    Must Listen!
    This audio lecture is amazing! I am so happy to see that others have found this brilliant as well. Thank you so much!
  • Ckeefemoran
    Outstanding
    These lectures are engaging because they're easy to access but substantive. I found myself taking notes on my phone while I listened on the subway.
  • tascat
    New perspectives!
    Illuminating and engaging! Most enjoyable talks on The Bard I have heard in quite a while. I'd cash in my Yale PhD if I could do one with Emma!!!!
  • Thomas Nashe
    Wonderful
    Great lectures! Brilliant!
  • Pol Casey
    Brilliant
    Emma Smith is basically unparalleled. Enjoyable and engaging even from 4000 miles away.
  • xpdnc12
    Excellent
    Engrossing and entertaining. Thanks for making these available!
  • ekcampbell
    approachable!
    This is a nice lecture! It definitely makes Shakespeare approachable! Thanks!
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