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Shakespeare, Stratford-upon-Avon and the Cultural History of Renaissance England – (M.A.)
University of Birmingham
School of History and Cultures
| Application Deadline: | None, but early application advised | ||
| Annual Tuition Fee: | ≈ € 5,313 - ≈ € 14,088 (non-EEA) | ||
| Location: | Birmingham / United Kingdom / View location on map ▾ Hide location on map ▴ | ||
| Duration: | 12 months | Start Date: | September |
| Educational Form: |
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| Credits (ECTS): | 180 | ||
| Languages: | English | ||
Location of University of Birmingham
This unique programme offers the opportunity to study the most exciting areas of English history and literature in an interdisciplinary way. You will investigate Shakespeare and his drama in the context of the society he lived in and observed, and you will explore the ways in which early modern society adapted to the dramatic social and cultural changes of the period.
This exciting interdisciplinary MA invites you to understand Shakespeare's works in the context of the society for which and within which he was writing. The programme is taught by both English literature scholars and historians, whose areas of expertise range from local history and the English Reformation to textual criticism and the history of Shakespeare in performance.
It is taught through an imaginative collaboration between The Shakespeare Institute and the Department of History at The University of Birmingham, in association with The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. Students study three core modules and complete a dissertation on a topic of their choice.
In recent years there have been exciting interactions between the disciplines of literature and history. The development of various forms of New Historicism in English literature and the greater interest of historians in cultural issues and questions relating to texts have instigated unprecedented dialogues between them.
The programme is available full or part-time and modules are available in a variety of formats, for instance as pairs of week long intensive courses.
Contents
Students taking this course study three core modules and complete a 12,000-word dissertation on a topic of their choice, which allows you to develop your own interests in any aspects of the taught courses. The programme can be taken on a full- or part-time basis, and we welcome any suitably qualified applicants from history or literature backgrounds.
Core modules
* The Social and Cultural History of Renaissance England
This module offers an introduction to the social and cultural history of the period and focuses specifically on issues relevant to Shakespeare’s own life and drama. These subjects include women’s reputation, notions of honour and gentility, popular religious belief and witchcraft. Particular emphasis will be given to contemporary life and the two places most familiar to Shakespeare: the small town of Stratford-upon-Avon and the growing metropolis of London. * Shakespeare, the Playwright and his Drama
Shakespeare’s life and career are examined as a case study of the position of professional playwrights in early modern England. You will study the mechanics of the theatre for which Shakespeare was writing – how plays were written, how Shakespeare’s work was circulated and the impact censorship had upon it. The links between Shakespeare’s plays and the issues affecting his society are investigated, whilst the interventions the plays made in important social debates about, for example, community and authority, are analysed. * Materials and Critical Methods for Research
You are given essential training in research skills relating to the study of Shakespeare and Stratford-upon-Avon, including instruction in palaeography (reading early modern handwriting) and the use of a wide variety of early modern documents. You will work on original archival documents, some of which relate to Shakespeare and his family.
IELTS
You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test.
Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.
Take testRequirements
An honours degree in a relevant subject, such as History or English, is required, normally at an upper second class level or its equivalent for overseas applicants.
Graduates without these qualifications (for example with a lower second class degree, or a degree in an unrelated subject) are very welcome to apply and their application will be considered on its merits.
Applicants may be asked to submit written work and/or attend an interview.
* IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band.
* TOEFL 580 Paper- based test / 237 Computer-based test.
Additional Requirements
| Minimal degree required: | Bachelor's degree |
| Minimal amount of work experience | Not specified |
Language Proficiency
| Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): | Grade A (Score: 80) |
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