Shakespeare studies have changed. Where it seemed necessary only a few years ago to concentrate on reading the play in a decent scholarly text, now undergraduates are confronted with an enormous range of approaches. The rise of theory (gender studies, post-colonialism, new historicism and cultural materialism) has completely reshaped our teaching contexts, and advances in textual bibliography have transformed the concept of the Shakespeare text itself. Shakespeare retains its global currency, yet approaches to teaching the playwright’s work continue to vary considerably depending on cultural traditions and pedagogic contexts. The impact of new technologies also serve to make new forms of pedagogy possible. The availability of video in the classroom has irrevocably altered the movement between text and performance. The Internet offers new opportunities for developing a more collaborative approach to teaching Shakespeare. What impact will all this have on our understanding of the plays? How has teaching Shakespeare changed? What is the future for research-led teaching? How will teaching Shakespeare continue to change in its national and transnational contexts? How should it change as it faces the new challenges? What new approaches are possible, desirable or necessary?
The seminar will bring together university teachers of Shakespeare from all parts of the world and from a variety of university departments including English Literature and Language, Drama and Theatre, Film and other departments involved in culture and society.
Contributors* are expected to include:

Professor Peter Donaldson
Massachusetts Institute of Technology

Rex Gibson
Editor, Cambridge Schools Shakespeare

Professor Jean E. Howard
Columbia University

Professor Ania Loomba
University of Illinois

Professor Kate McLuskie
University of Southampton

Professor Kiernan Ryan
Royal Holloway, University of London

Main topics for discussion

 How does pedagogy vary according to its national / international contexts?

 What is the relation between teaching and texts?

 What is the text of a Shakespeare play?

 How has theory changed teaching Shakespeare?

 What has the Internet to offer for the undergraduate classroom?

 What are the challenges of using Shakespeare films on video?

 How can the theatre be brought into the classroom?

 What is the relation between teaching and research?

 What will teaching Shakespeare in universities be like in five, ten, twenty years time?

There are places for up to 50 participants Fully residential fee: £1600 The fee will include:  5 nights’ accommodation from Sunday night, 27 January 2002 to Thursday night, 31 January 2002 inclusive, in an ensuite bedroom  all meals from dinner on Sunday night, 27 January 2002 to lunch on Friday, 1 February 2002  full professional programme  social programme (including opening reception)  welcome and farewell packs (containing programme, speakers’ notes, local information etc)  group photograph  experienced Event Manager in daily attendance throughout the event  emergency medical insurance