The students are introduced to the major contributions made to literature by Shakespearean drama and its unique prominence in English-language literature as well as culture in general. Four plays are read, representing the genres of tragedy, comedy, history, and romance. The students learn to situate them within their historical context in the Renaissance and to trace their cultural impact over the centuries, building an understanding of what has led Shakespeare to become an icon and what continues to inspire modern and global reinterpretations of his works