The Jewish communities of Renaissance Italy were unusual in their interactions with their Christian neighbors. As we explore this topic, we'll find answers to the following questions:

1. Why did early Renaissance Italian humanists turn to Jews to inspire Christian thought?
2. In what ways were the Jews involved in developing the Renaissance culture of Italy?
3. How did the Jews of this period lay the groundwork for the development of the modern Hebrew language?

For good reason, Shakespeare is one of the most famous and most influential writers of the English language. To help us unpack that topic, we'll explore the following questions:

1. In contrast with the greatness of man to be found in Hamlet, how does the relative bleakness of Macbeth resonate with a listener?
2. Of all the bard's plays, what makes As You Like It a good one to introduce students to Shakespeare?
3. Can The Merchant of Venice be understood in a way that is sympathetic to Jews?

Arguably Shakespeare's greatest play, Hamlet will catapult us into the modern era of literature. To unpack that notion, we'll explore the following questions:

1. In what sense does Hamlet have a foothold in both the classical and modern eras?
2. How does Hamlet grapple with the Biblical, covenantal tension between man's significance, on the one hand, and insignificance, on the other?
3. Why is Hamlet's conversation with his conscience an answer to Machiavelli?

Recommended Reading: Shakespeare, William. Hamlet. New York: Simon & Schuster, 2012. Folger Shakespeare Library.