(Recorded Course) Henry V with Henry M. Russell, PhD

Join us for Henry V, which is widely enjoyed as Shakespeare’s portrait of a noble, high-spirited and virtuous king. This may be Shakespeare’s presentation of an ideal king for an England that is weary of an aging and childless spinster monarch.

How to get the most out of Henry V with Henry M. Russell, PhD:

  • First, read the course materials below before the first class meeting.

  • Then have a notebook ready and available for class notes each live session.

  • Read assignments before class meetings

  • Watch that week’s recording if you need to revisit information from our live session.

  • Do the assignments, quizzes, and any extra work assigned for that week.

  • Once the course is completed to the parent's and professor’s satisfaction, there is a Certificate of Completion at the end to be filled in for your records.

Total classes: 7

Duration: 55 minutes

Prerequisite: Ability to read the books, underline and take notes and ask questions.

Suggested grade level: 9th to 12th grades.

Suggested credit:1/2 semester credit. Combine with Julius Ceasar for 1 full credit

Instructor: Henry M. Russell, PhD

Instructor email: maryshire@gmail.com

Course description: 

As always, the play will be discussed in terms of its actions, the moral lessons, its Biblical and Cultural references, and Shakespeare’s constant concern with the relations between the Catholic Church and the English state. Techniques of construction and language will be highlighted as possible. Henry V is widely enjoyed as Shakespeare’s portrait of a noble, high-spirited and virtuous king. His flaws are real if few, but he is as effective a warrior as he is a king and wooer of the French Princess. This may be Shakespeare’s presentation of an ideal king for an England weary of an aging spinster monarch.

Course outline:

Week I: View The Catholic Shakespeare bio, embedded on Moodle

Week II: Act I

Week III Act II

Week IV: Act III

Week V: Act IV

Week VI: Act V

Week VII: General Topics

Course materials: Any edition with Act, Scene divisions and line numbers is fine.

Homework: Expect to spend about one and one-half hours per week outside of class on reading and notetaking. There will be weekly automated-graded quizzes available for immediate feedback, as well as two exams, one in the middle and one at the end of the course. Please come to class with thoughts and questions about what you have read.