You're invited to explore the works of William Shakespeare
This free event is aimed at Year 12 English students who have read the plays, and wish to consolidate their knowledge for the HSC.
The University of Wollongong invites you to take part in an immersive lecture considering the world of Shakespeare that will enhance your literary appreciation and analytical skills.
Dr Julian Lamb Ph.D. Doctor of Philosophy, English Renaissance Literature and Linguistics (University of Cambridge), will offer close readings and discussions of Shakespearean texts to help students build transferable techniques of critical analysis. These readings will be informed by his knowledge of the ideas and preoccupations of Shakespeare's own time.
Questions?
Contact your schools engagement representative or email ofsd-events@uow.edu.au.
Event Details
Schools can sign up for one or both of the following sessions. Teacher/s must accompany students to this event. Please view our risk assessment here.
Topic: Richard III and Machiavelli
Date: Wednesday 28 May 2025
Time: 9.30-11.00am
Location: TBD, University of Wollongong, Wollongong campus
Description: In Henry VI, Part 3, Richard, Duke of Gloucester boasts that he could “set the murderous Machiavel to school.” Richard here refers to one of the most controversial figures in the history of European political thought: Niccolo Machiavelli. But what were Machiavelli’s ideas? What made them so controversial? And why does Richard claim to be able to outdo Machiavelli? Is he using Machiavelli as a handbook on how ruthlessly to seize power? In this talk, we consider the way Machiavelli’s ideas illuminate Richard’s political strategies, as well as Shakespeare’s own methods of dramatizing history.
Topic: The Tempest and the Idea of the Human
Date: Wednesday 28 May 2025
Time: 12.00-1.30pm
Location: TBD, University of Wollongong, Wollongong campus
Description: What is a human being? Prospero thinks he knows when he describes Caliban as “A devil, a born devil, on whose nature / Nurture can never stick.” According to Prospero, Caliban is inhuman, perhaps subhuman, because nurture works no positive effect on him. But is this what makes someone human? Is it our capacity to be nurtured, or socialised that differentiates us from beasts? In this talk, we will consider the play’s consideration of the idea of the human in relation to the discovery of the new world, Renaissance humanism, and the nature of forgiveness
Please note: Schools/students are responsible for their own lunch, but there will be food outlets open on campus if anyone wishes to purchase food.
How to sign up
- Teachers to register using the button below.
- Instruct attending students to register themselves. Teachers can direct students to this page or share this link: uow.info/shakespeare