Leads: Professor Katie Halsey and Dr Angus Vine
Have you ever wanted to know why some writers are more famous than others?
Have you ever wondered what makes a book that stands the test of time?
Why are Austen and Shakespeare still relevant today?
In these interactive workshops, we will look closely at two great writers: Jane Austen and William Shakespeare, to try to answer these questions. We will consider performances, film/TV adaptations, and the books themselves. In the first workshop (on Jane Austen’s Persuasion (1818)), we will discover the lasting appeal of Jane Austen’s novels via comparative analysis of the novel and films. We will discuss the novel’s setting during the Napoleonic Wars, and come to an appreciation of Austen’s innovative style. In the second workshop (on Shakespeare’s Hamlet (1600)), we will discover the world of the Elizabethan theatre. Working together to read between the lines, we will uncover the verbal and dramatic brilliance that makes Shakespeare the greatest playwright in the English language. The culmination of the workshops will be the opportunity to work up a scene from one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays, putting to use the skills that you have learned during the first two sessions. Here, you will be able to choose your particular form of involvement. Roles will include critics, interpreters, actors, directors, producers, prompters, dancers, acrobats, and musicians.
This workshop will be useful to any student of National 5, Highers or Advanced Highers English, in helping you to understand how and why we analyse works of literature, but will also be of interest to anyone who enjoys reading or drama. No prior knowledge of Austen or Shakespeare is required.
Please sign up here: Stirling Summer School: Arts and Humanities Taster Workshops | University of Stirling Online Shop
GENERAL INFORMATION:
Open to 15-18 year olds (S5-6/Highers/Advanced Highers students), these 3 day workshops will introduce university-level study and practice in our disciplines, and encourage students to think beyond their school work and to explore new ideas. Held in the Pathfoot Building on the beautiful University of Stirling campus, the cost (£85) covers space, tuition and access to any necessary equipment: students should bring their own lunch and snacks, or can buy food and drink at the campus cafes/supermarket. This is not a residential course, though accommodation can be booked separately at the Stirling Court Hotel/student residences if desired. Places are limited and early enrolment is encouraged.
Timings: Wednesday 7 August, 11am-4pm. Thursday 8 August, 10-4pm. Friday 9 August, 11-4pm. Please note there will be an end of course showcase on the Friday, which parents and carers are welcome to attend, and we may offer an optional 4-6pm activity (e.g. a film showing) for some workshops on Thursday.
For information about getting to campus, see here
Any questions? Email fahfacultyoffice@stir.ac.uk and we’ll try to help.