In Shakespeare in England Course, Students Gain Sense of the World

Fourteen UNC Charlotte students experienced London and Stratford-upon-Avon as part of the Shakespeare in England spring study abroad course, exploring places and events that shaped the playwright’s personal and professional life.

Led by Andrew Hartley, Robinson Professor of Shakespeare Studies in the Department of Theatre, the course presented a unique opportunity to discover Shakespeare, his world, and his theatrical legacy in England.

“A recurring theme in Shakespeare is the journey to places where the usual rules of life don’t apply, places where people are confronted with alternate versions of reality where, through the process of being there and wrestling with what what they find, they grow as individuals,” Hartley said. “This is the heart of the study abroad experience. The trip across the Atlantic is, in many ways, a journey into a different notion of history and culture, anchored by Shakespeare. For me it’s especially fun because I get to show students things I care about, things which add layers to their sense of the world and themselves.”

The trip included theatre productions and visits to such landmarks as the Tower of London, Westminster Abbey and Hampton Court.

“The guided tour of the Houses of Parliament was certainly one of the highlights, as well as being admitted to the thirteenth century Undercroft Chapel, which is not generally open to the public,” Hartley said. “The students were a wonderful group; punctual, amiable and enthusiastic throughout.”

English graduate student Dina Massachi described the study abroad program as an extraordinary experience.

“We did so many once-in-a-lifetime things,” Massachi said. “We participated in workshops at the Globe and in Stratford with the Royal Shakespeare Company that will forever change how I read Shakespeare. I saw seven amazing shows, eight castles, and so much more.”

Immersion into the historical setting of Shakespeare’s life proved especially beneficial to Susan Riley, an English graduate student who is well acquainted with the bard’s work.

“Having studied Shakespeare and seen many of his plays performed, I felt that visiting the historical settings of his life would give me an even greater sense of who he was and the deeper meanings behind his works,” Riley said.

Riley, whose concentration is in children’s literature, also found references to British Children’s Literature throughout the trip.

“I visited the Peter Pan statue in Kensington Gardens and saw a live production of ‘Treasure Island’ at the National Theatre Company in London,” she said. “In an old shop in Stratford, I found an antique copy of the works of A.A. Milne, the author of Winnie-the-Pooh.”

Massachi emphasized how study abroad provides students with an opportunity to learn more from an academic perspective while also experiencing new cultures and new people.

“The best way to learn about yourself is to change your environment,” Massachi said. “Traveling is one of the best ways to learn about the world. I learned quite a bit about English history, in a way that made it come alive and made me want to continue learning about it.”

For Riley, the experience brought other benefits. “I am a non-traditional student, having earned my bachelor’s degree nearly 30 years ago,” she said, “I was pleasantly surprised to find that I fit right in with my classmates. We all became fast friends, despite differences in ages, races, majors, and lifestyles. Study abroad is clearly for everyone.”

Massachi plans to present at the Children’s Literature Association conference in June, and to begin work on her master’s degree thesis in August. After completing her master’s degree, Riley plans to concentrate on writing historical fiction for children.

The program offered credit for English 4050/5050 or Theater 4001. The course began with six weeks in class considering the plays from literary, historical and theatrical perspectives. Following the trip, the students have returned and will continue their studies, culminating in final papers that incorporate the lessons from class and the adventures abroad.

Words: Tyler Harris, CLAS Student Communications Assistant
Images: Courtesy of Dina Massachi