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In Week 5, we discuss the most controversial of Shakespeare's plays- Merchant of Venice, (which depicts anti-Semitism), and Measure For Measure, (which is about a judge who tries to seduce a nun and threatens to ruin her reputation if she doesn't agree to his advances). This will be done through close readings of the text, such as Shylock's famous "Hath Not A Jew Eyes?" speech in "Merchant of Vencice. I will also provide pictures and videos of the historical locations in the plays to provide historical context for the plays. Finally, the students and I will engage in open discussions about what Shakespeare was saying about these kinds of characters and how the real villain is not Shylock or Antonio, but the forces in society that shape their character flaws.

I will be very careful to make it clear that sexism and anti-Semitism is wrong, that Shakespeare was not trying to condone prejudice or sexism and make every opportunity to be sensitive to different cultures and genders. My goal for this week is to illuminate how Shakespeare's heroes, (and anti-heroes like Shylock), struggle against unjust societies that allow systemic oppression of their culture, religion, and or/ gender, and hopefully inspire students to think critically about how sexism and prejudice still manifest themselves today. That said, I acknowledge that these topics are painful for students, they are welcome to sit this particular class out. They will not be penalized for not attending.