Course Objectives

This course aims to provide the student with an appreciation of the nature of Shakespeare's achievement through the study of four plays in class.Students will have the opportunity to gain an intimate understanding of the verbal and dramatic qualities of Shakespeare's genius, and of the myriad ways in which meanings are expressed through the language, imagery, structure and dramatic possibilities of the works themselves through close critical reading of various sections of the plays studied.

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Course Comments

"Easily the best and most qualified lecturer I've had here. He's an incredible asset to this programme. He was an unbelievable source of information and I'm afraid the majority of my literature classes will not hold up in comparison." Anon., Fall 2009

"Mark Allen is incredibly knowledge in his subject area, and infused each lecture with humour and wit. Loved the course!" Anon., Fall 2009

"This was unquestionably the best course on Shakespeare I've ever had the pleasure of taking. Mark Allen is a phenomenal instructor." Adrienne Carlile, Fall 2009

“I absolutely loved this class. The Professor was always very clear and straightforward in his explanations, while still remaining extremely interesting and funny. I felt as though I have a great understanding of the plays we read and of Shakespeare as a whole. Professor Allen was an amazing teacher and I wish I could take this class again!”  Anon, Fall 2008                      

“Mark Allen taught a wonderful course. His illuminating lectures challenge you to think as much as they teach you. One cannot help but leave the course feeling as though they have a better grasp on things that go well beyond the classroom.” Kristin Weiland, Fall 2008

Faculty Information

Mark Allen has taught on the Boston University London programme since 1996 and also taught on the Boston University Oxford honours programme from 1987-2008. He holds an MA in English literature from Mansfield College, Oxford and has tutored in several Oxford University colleges, as well has having held a lecturing post at St Edmund Hall, Oxford. He also spent two years teaching in Italy and lectured at the University of Venice. He has published reviews and articles on Romanticism in several academic journals and also worked for the Oxford English Dictionary as an historical reader specialising in the works of Coleridge.

Course Syllabus and Materials

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