This is our catalog of courses. We will occasionally adjust the course listing to reflect the addition of new courses and the retirement of others.
Explore one of Shakespeare’s greatest and most controversial plays alongside Professor Pearce, the author of three books on Shakespeare and editor of the Ignatius Critical Edition of The Merchant of Venice. In six classes, you will learn about Shakespeare’s life and Catholicism as well as grappling with the questions the play asks about choice, justice, and joy.
Total classes: 6
Prerequisite: The ability to read and enjoy the book
Suggested grade level: 8th to 12th
Suggested credit: ½ semester Literature. Add another literature course for a full credit (see Unlimited Access.)
Description
Professor Pearce, author of three books on Shakespeare and editor of the Ignatius Critical Edition of The Merchant of Venice, will reveal the deep Christian meaning of one of Shakespeare’s greatest and most controversial plays.
Outline
Class 1: The Bard of Avon and the Church of Rome: Shakespeare’s Catholicism. The Background and Sources of The Merchant of Venice.
Class 2: Act One – Of Jews and Jesuits. Venetian Blindness. Critical Mistakes and Dramatic Errors.
Class 3: Act Two – “I have much ado to know myself”. Portia as the Gate of Virtue. Shylock the Usurer.
Class 4: Act Three – The Right to Choose. Lead, Kindly Light.
Class 5: Act Four – The Vice of Vengeance. The Testing of Shylock.
Class 6: Act Five – The Testing of Bassanio. Light and Lightheartedness.
Materials and Homework
Course Materials: The Merchant of Venice (Ignatius Critical Edition, 978-1-58617-320-3). Click on the book title for ordering information.
Homework: Weekly reading assignments and quizzes (approximately one hour per week).
Important Dates
Class dates: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, June 4, 5, 6, 11, 12 & 13, 2024
Starting time: 1:00 PM Eastern (noon Central, 11:00 Mountain, 10:00 Pacific)
