Explore Shakespeare’s life, discover famous Shakespeare plays, and improve your English language skills with the British Council.

This course will look at the life and works of William Shakespeare and take you from his birthplace in Stratford-upon-Avon to the Globe Theatre in London, from where he secured his central place in English literature.

We will look at five of Shakespeare’s plays with the help of actors and experts from around the world. They will explain and explore the universal themes Shakespeare addressed in his work.

Explore the English language through Shakespeare’s plays

William Shakespeare is the best-known and most-loved playwright in English history. So, what better way to improve your English language skills than through learning about the “Bard of Avon”? This introduction to Shakespeare explores his life in Elizabethan England. You’ll see some of the most famous Shakespeare plays, like Romeo and Juliet, brought to life by actors. Afterwards, you’ll discuss the plays’ key themes with the help of Shakespeare experts. You’ll learn about Shakespearean English, and will practice speaking (modern) English with your coursemates and tutors. This course will help you to understand why Shakespeare is so important in the history of English literature. ##Learn more about Shakespeare’s life and times Elizabethan England was a place of high drama and rapid change. This was also a time in which English theatre thrived and enjoyed great popularity. You’ll learn how Shakespeare’s life fitted into this background, following him from Stratford-upon-Avon to the famous Globe Theatre in London. #Explore key themes of famous Shakespeare plays No introduction to Shakespeare would be complete without looking at some of his work. You’ll explore some of his most famous and beloved works. Through these you’ll learn about Shakespearean English, and will discover the many new words that Shakespeare introduced to the English language. By the end of the course, you will understand why Shakespeare is so important, improving your English language skills along the way.

What topics will you cover?

• Romeo and Juliet
• Hamlet
• Much Ado About Nothing
• The Tempest
• Macbeth

Our video tutor will guide you through the course and look at some of the words and expressions that Shakespeare introduced to the English language.

Short quizzes will check your understanding and you’ll be asked to share your ideas and opinions on the topics Shakespeare raises.