MA Shakespeare Authorship Studies at Brunel University

March 1 2008

This MA programme, the first of its kind in the world, tackles and takes seriously Shakespeare and the subject of Authorship in all its diversity. The programme examines ways in which Shakespeare has been mythologised and how issues of collaboration change our notion of authorship, value and authority. The programme also examines the enormously controversial phenomenon of the Shakespeare Authorship Question and ponders why this question causes such controversy.

Course Content

The programme will begin with a Research methodologies module, which involves understanding strategies necessary for deep research in this subject area. Another module examines the ways in which Shakespeare has been made into the “cultural hero” that he is today. This will be achieved through a close analysis of the historical developments and forces which gave rise to the perceived need, or at least desire for a national and global icon/genius. The issue of Shakespeare and collaboration will also form an area of interest on the course. This will involve an examination of the concept of collaboration itself. A subsequent close textual analysis of a number of Shakespeare's writings will show that they contain the work of other writers.

The phenomenon of the Shakespeare Authorship Question will also be studied. The aim is not to promote an alternative candidate as the author of Shakespeare’s work; rather, it is to analyse the actual social and cultural phenomenon that is the Authorship Question itself. Why that Question is now more popular than ever amongst the general public will be an important area of discussion.

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