The Statesmanship of Shakespeare

October 28-November 20, 2008
Dr. Michael Platt*

In all his works, Shakespeare is a poet; in all his works, he is a philosopher; and in all his works he is a statesman. Throughout his Roman and English works, in particular, Shakespeare depicts statesmen, their enemies, their allies, their cares, and their troubles. While Shakespeare’s Rome is ruled by consuls and presided over by the gods, his England is presided over by God and ruled by kings.  There is the feeble Henry VI, the passionate Richard II, the striving Henry IV, the tyrannical Richard III, and the responsible Henry V.  In studying together the history of England, from Richard II, 1 Henry IV; 2 Henry IV; Henry V; Henry VI, 1, 2, & 3; and Richard III, we will be asking whether Shakespeare accepts Machiavelli's criticism of Christianity (unmanly, irresponsible, foolish) and Tolstoy's contention that no good man can rule.  We will ask whether the sagacity of Shakespeare's ideal statesman is superior because it is Christian – that he great because he is good.  

Come discover how Shakespeare teaches statesmanship through his history plays. Learn for yourself whether there can be a Christian Prince or not.

*Dr. Michael Platt has earned degrees at Harvard University (BA), Oxford University (MA.) and Yale University (Ph.D.). He teaches Politics, Literature, and Philosophy, from time to time at Greifswald in Germany, at George Wythe in Utah, and at places in between.  His first book on Shakespeare is Rome and Romans According to Shakespeare; his work on Nietzsche can be found in Nietzsche Studien, and his work on the novelty of the Teenager was recently reported in the National Catholic Register (July and August).

CLASS SCHEDULE

October 28-November 20
Tuesdays and Thursdays 2:00-5:00
 

Cost: This seminar is open to the public. Student pricing is included in their tuition.  Non-student pricing is regularly $585.00. However, as a community outreach effort the George Wythe Foundation is offering a generous subsidy of $500 per registered attendee.

Please note: Two of Dr. Platt's lectures on Shakespeare are open to the public at no charge. For more information please click here. 

Readings: The required texts:
Shakespeare’s Complete Works, Penguin Edition
The Prince, by Machiavelli, Mansfield translation.

Registration:
To register please do one of the following:

1. Complete the registration form below and submit with payment by mail to:
   
            George Wythe University
            Office of Seminar Registrations
            970 S. Sage Drive
            Cedar City, UT 84720
         
2. Complete the registration form below and fax (including payment information) to (435) 586-3697.
         
3. Call the Office of Seminar Registrations at (435) 586-6570. Please be ready to provide the information outlined on the registration form below, including method of payment.

Registration Form

Cedar City Information

Please direct any questions to our Office of Seminar Registrations at seminars@gw.edu or (435) 586-6570.