Through study of eighteenth-century dramatic, critical, and 
philological texts, students will emerge with a thorough 
understanding of the status of eighteenth-century literary and 
cultural engagement with the works of William Shakespeare. They
will understand, in particular, the significance of Dryden, Tate,
Rowe, Johnson, Siddons, and Garrick in the shaping of 
Shakespeare's literary reputation. Work on the various editions
of the period will also provide occasion to witness the decisions
made editorially as the period worked to establish the textual
canon of England's greatest poet.

Shakespeare Criticism: John Dryden, Thomas Rymer, John Dennis, 
Charlotte Lennox, Alexander Pope, Joseph Addison, Samuel 
Johnson

Adaptations of Shakespeare for the stage: Nahum Tate (Lear), 
John Dryden (Anthony and Cleopatra), Davenant (Much Ado About 
Nothing and Measure for Measure)

Actors and iconic roles: Edward Kynaston (Desdemona), David 
Garrick (Richard III), Charles Macklin (Shylock), Sarah 
Siddons (Lady Macbeth)

Performance history as revealed by The London Stage

The beginning of Shakespeare Tourism: The Stratford Jubilee

Editions and editorial practice: Rowe, Pope, Theobald, Hamner, 
Warburton, Johnson, and Malone

Students in this course are expected to be familiar with and
adhere to the University of Georgia policy on academic honesty,
according to which all violations of academic honesty will be
handled. Students may participate in graded group projects at
the instructor’s discretion.